[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]From August 16 through August 26, the little Brazilian community of Barretos hosts one of the grandest events in the world. The Festa do Peão de Barretos features all of the excitement and thrills of PRCA rodeos in addition to having a carnival and nightly concerts. The festival coincides with the anniversary of Barretos’ founding and attracts more than one million spectators each year to the two-million square meter complex. During the 1940s, cowboys from surrounding farms and ranches led herds of cattle to Barretos for slaughter. After making the trip, the cowboys gathered to demonstrate their skills amongst each other. A group of cowboys calling themselves The Independents decided to make the competition an annual event and the Festa do Peão de Barretos Rodeo was born. Today, cowboys and cowgirls from across Brazil, Australia, Canada, Mexico and the United States come to watch or participate in the events. The Festa do Peão de Barretos Rodeo is considered the largest rodeo in Latin America. In fact, the spectacular Brazil event is only second in size compared to the competition held each year in Fort Worth, Texas.
Photo Credit- Legenda, Bruno Revolta
The many competitive events include barrel racing, bulldogging, steer wrestling, team penning and the ever-popular bull riding. The bull-riding event poses a particular challenge for the cowboys from Brazil, as they try to match or break the record held by Adriano Moraes.
In 1994, Moraes became one of four athletes in history to ride the full eight seconds on 10 consecutive bulls. Another arena within the complex is designed especially for the youth rodeo. Future cowboys and cowgirls compete in a variety of events, which include mutton bustin’. The Festa do Peão de Barretos complex also features an abundance of shopping opportunities. Vendors offer a variety of traditional foods and beverages along with Western attire and culture-based souvenirs. Barretos is situated in the Lakes region of Brazil, which offers many different outdoor recreation options. There are hiking trails galore along with an outdoor gym and kiosks offering snacks and refreshing coconut water. Many different bars, restaurants and shops surround the community lagoon.
Photo Credit- Legenda, Andre Monteiro
Local attractions also include the Historical Museum. Guided and self-guided tours of the facility are available.
The array of rare exhibits enables visitors to learn more about the cultural changes that have occurred in Barretos and the region over the centuries.
The Cowboy Lifestyle Network, Ak-Chin Indian Community and Earnhardt Auto Centers Road Team attend the spectacular festival to provide continual updates as the action unfolds.[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1563402025598-2ec366ba-394b-9″ include=”44050,44051,44052,44054,44055,44056,44057,44058,44059,44060,44061,44062″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Aaron Kuhl is a passionate advocate for the western lifestyle, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN). Growing up as an Arizona native, with a mother who worked for Wrangler Western for over 30 years, Aaron was immersed in the cowboy culture from a young age. Aaron and his sister Heather grew up watching rodeos, as their grandfather and uncle were PRCA ProRodeo cardholders. This early exposure has given him a profound understanding and appreciation for the western way of life. Aaron went to Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ, then to the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, where he received a Bachelor of Science after creating his own major. This unique course of study wove together Business Marketing, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy, and Religion. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Aaron joined CLN in its nascent stages, contributing to its growth and development over the past decade. As COO, Aaron manages operations, using AI to streamline processes and analyze data, ensuring CLN remains a leading voice. With expertise in business development, he innovates and cultivates client relationships, supporting CLN’s exponential growth. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron values his faith, family, and friends, which are the cornerstones of his life. This personal foundation, combined with his professional expertise, makes him a trusted and authoritative voice in the western lifestyle community. Aaron’s commitment to philanthropy is the bedrock of his personal ethos. He actively supports local Arizona organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Chandler Compadres, Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and the American Heart Association (among others), reflecting his dedication to giving back and strengthening the community he calls home. Through his work, Aaron aims to preserve and promote the traditions of the west, ensuring that the spirit of the cowboy lives on for future generations.
