The Cuban rodeo community is mourning the loss of Carlos Mencía González, affectionately known across the island as "El Negro Mencía." He passed away after a lengthy battle with an incurable illness, as reported by the Escambray newspaper in Sancti Spíritus.
For decades, Mencía was a cherished member of the Sancti Spíritus rodeo team, celebrated for his exceptional skills as a madrinero—the elegantly dressed rider who captivated audiences with his rope tricks and performances.
The Early Passion for Rodeo
His affinity for the rodeo began in childhood. Instead of classroom lessons, he chose to follow the cowboys, a decision that shaped the rest of his life.
"From a young age, my life was tied to the rodeo tracks," he once shared in an interview with Escambray that chronicled his lifelong journey.
Legacy in Madrinería
After retiring from competition, Mencía found a new calling in madrinería, allowing him to stay connected to the spectacle he loved.
"When I stopped competing, I couldn't completely leave the fair. My life was always intertwined with rodeo or racing tracks. Madrinería attracted me; I enjoyed it immensely because it has its own audience," he explained.
Signature Style and Contributions
Mencía's trademark was his manganas, under-the-arm rope tricks that crowds eagerly anticipated each time he performed.
"Some come to see the ropers or bull riders, but I made my name with the manganas. Audiences requested them whenever I appeared, both here and at other tracks across the country," he recalled.
He graced major fairs throughout Cuba, from the International Fair of Rancho Boyeros in Havana to tracks in Manicaragua, Las Tunas, Bayamo, and Camagüey.
His horse of choice was the quarter horse, favored for its docility and suitability for cattle work.
Life Beyond the Rodeo
Outside the arena, Mencía was known for his altruism. He was a voluntary blood donor and a long-time supporter of the Sancti Spíritus Children's Home for orphans.
This morning, his final ride was scheduled at 9:30, with a procession from the funeral home to the cemetery, accompanied by horses, mariachis, cowboys, family, and friends.
The page "El Más Puro Rodeo Cubano" called on cowboys to join the farewell on horseback, urging them to arrive before the scheduled time.
A Double Loss for Rodeo Enthusiasts
On Tuesday, the rodeo community also lost Manuel Jiménez Nazco, a cultural promoter, announcer, and historian of the Sancti Spíritus rodeo, marking a day of double mourning for the province's cowboy world.
Jiménez Nazco, affectionately called "Manolito," came from a founding family of the rodeo in Sancti Spíritus and was regarded as one of the best announcers on the island.
The rodeo family bid farewell to El Negro Mencía with words that encapsulate his life: "You gave it your all throughout your life, and that alone was a great triumph. You gained something far more valuable: an eternal place in the hearts of your family and friends."
"Let's send off El Negro Mencía as he lived: surrounded by horses, friends, and the love of his people," was the call that united the Cuban cowboy community to give him the farewell he deserved.
Remembering Carlos Mencía González
Who was Carlos "El Negro" Mencía González?
Carlos "El Negro" Mencía González was a celebrated figure in Cuban rodeo, known for his skills as a madrinero and his signature manganas. He was a beloved member of the Sancti Spíritus rodeo team and a figure of community support in his region.
What contributions did Mencía make outside of the rodeo?
Beyond the rodeo, Mencía was a voluntary blood donor and a supporter of the Sancti Spíritus Children's Home for orphans, showcasing his dedication to helping his community.