The Rupununi Ranchers’ Rodeo 2026 was officially launched on Wednesday in the Botanical Gardens.
Next year’s Rodeo is being hosted by the Ministry Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Rupununi Livestock Producers Association and the Guyana Tourism Authority.
Minister of Tourism, Susan Rodrigues said the Rupununi Rodeo dates back to the early 1960s, and brings Guyanese, as well as tourists from all walks of life to Lethem in Region 9 to celebrate the spirit of Rupununi Ranching.
“Rodeo has grown into an iconic cultural and sporting event. It celebrates our deep cultural heritage, talent and the spirit of Rupununi Ranching. It is a celebration of that culture and heritage – one that we as Guyanese are extremely proud of and that we will continue to work to elevate and promote,” Minister Rodrigues said.
She said the Rupununi Livestock Producers Association has not only remained steadfast in its commitment to fostering growth within the livestock industry and the rural economy, but has worked tirelessly to ensure that the rodeo is an annual success.
Chairman of the Rupununi Livestock Producers Association, Kyle Joseph said the Rupununi Rodeo has grown significantly over the years, offering Guyana’s rich culture including bull riding and roping, music and food to the world.
He said the Rupununi Rodeo is an authentic Guyanese event.
“Ranching came to the Rupununi in the late 1800s, that’s really where it started. From over Brazil, cattle came into the Rupununi and it became part of the lives of the Indigenous people and that’s where it has taken on a life of its own, that is where it has grown into something that is truly Guyanese, something that is truly authentic. And, that is what we want to showcase here today, that’s what we want to launch, and that’s what we want to welcome you to experience – to experience something that is uniquely Guyanese, something that is authentic. People may say we are trying to copy Brazil, we are trying to copy Texas. No, it is actually home grown. It is something that we are proud to share every single year,” Joseph explained.
The Rupununi Ranchers’ Rodeo will be held in Lethem from April 3-4, 2026 under the theme “Wild and Bold, Runpununi Stories Unfold.”
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