The Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza Leaves Other Shows in the Dust

Jerry Diaz brought matadors, dancers and cowboys to the National Western Stock Show for a thirtieth year. Olé!

January 14, 2025

Image: Jerry Diaz, founder of the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza, celebrates thirty years of bringing his production to the National Western Stock Show.

Jerry Diaz, founder of the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza, celebrates thirty years of bringing his production to the National Western Stock Show. Evan Semón Photography

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The National Western Stock Show is back in town. And once again, the big crowd-pleaser on opening weekend was the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza, complete with cowboys, dancers and bullfighters.

This is the thirtieth year that Jerry Diaz's production has thrilled city slickers and country folk alike in Denver; it's the longest-running Mexican rodeo in North America.

Here are scenes from the 2025 show:

Fourth-generation Mexican horseman Nicholas Diaz dances with a miniature horse during the Mexican Rodeo.

Evan Semón Photography

Denver's own hometown cowboy, eighteen-year-old Skandar Ocampo, celebrates his nearly perfect eight-second ride during the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza.

Evan Semón Photography

Gabriel Sebastian Ibelles shows off his matador skills.

Evan Semón Photography

Isaac Leal Montalvo takes the bull by the horns .

Evan Semón Photography

Matador Isaac Leal Montalvo is knocked off his feet by an 800-pound bull.

Evan Semón Photography

Denver's famous Ballet Folklórico dancers performed.

Evan Semón Photography

Ballet Folklórico lit up the arena.

Evan Semón Photography

Singer Raquel Garcia performing with Ballet Folklórico.

Evan Semón Photography

Luke Gingerich competes in the horse-reining competition with his quarterhorse, Tinseltown's Whizard.

Evan Semón Photography

Hats off to another thrilling Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza!

Evan Semón Photography

Although the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza won't be back until next year, the National Western Stock Show continues through Sunday, January 26. Learn more at nationalwestern.com.

Based in Denver, Evan Semón has worked as an editorial and commercial photographer for over 25 years. He was on the Pulitzer Prize-winning photography staff of the Rocky Mountain News until that newspaper ceased publication in 2009; Semón chose to stay in Colorado and work on editorial contracts and expand to commercial and lifestyle photography. He is a regular contributor to Westword.

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