Gauchos, the Latin American equivalent of cowboys, vie for the title of best rider during Uruguay's Criolla Week. The event, held in Montevideo's Prado Park, sees gauchos from all over Uruguay and neighbouring Argentina and Brazil compete against each other in horsemanship, lassoing and bronco-riding.
Riders risk life and limb as they attempt to stay on unbroken horses. Although the annual event has been criticised for its relaxed approach to safety and animal welfare, it attracts huge crowds hoping to see spectacular falls. The gaucho rodeo for 2015 runs from 29 March to 5 April, coinciding with Holy Week.
