Carlos Mencía González, affectionately known in the Cuban cowboy community as Negro Mencía, was honored with a final procession through Sancti Spíritus on Wednesday. The funeral procession, which journeyed from the funeral home to the cemetery, was a vibrant tribute featuring horses, mariachis, cowboys, family, and friends.
Mencía passed away on Tuesday after a lengthy battle with an incurable illness, as reported by the newspaper Escambray. His passing leaves a significant void in the close-knit world of Cuban rodeo.
A Fitting Farewell
The farewell matched the stature of his legendary status. "El Más Puro Rodeo Cubano," a popular rodeo page, called upon all available riders to join the procession on horseback by 9:30 in the morning.
At the cemetery, his comrades from Vaqueros de Rodeo—referred to as "the last Mohicans of the 70s generation"—joined ranchers, horseback riders, family, and friends in saying their final goodbyes. The Cuban flag waved over his resting place.
An Unforgettable Legacy
“These are tough days for Sancti Spíritus. These are tough days for the extended Rodeo Cuban family. Today, we don’t just bid farewell to a Cowboy; we part with a man who left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who shared his passion for horses and Rodeo,” the digital community expressed in their tribute.
“Rest in peace, Negro Mencía. May God welcome you into his eternal pastures. Your memory will forever ride alongside the horsemen,” was the heartfelt goodbye from the Cuban cowboy community to the champion.
A Life Dedicated to the Rodeo
For decades, Mencía was the most beloved madrinero of the Spiritano team: the elegantly dressed rider who executes ropes and tricks before the audience, one of the most spectacular roles in the show.
His connection to the rodeo began in childhood when he chose to follow cowboys rather than sit in a classroom, a decision that charted the course of his entire life.
“From a young age, my life was tied to the arenas,” he shared in an interview with the Escambray newspaper, which chronicled his career from start to finish.
Beyond the Arena
When Mencía retired from competing as an athlete, he found a new way to stay in the spotlight through madrinería.
“When I stopped being an athlete, I couldn’t completely detach from the Fair, because my life was always tied to rodeo or racing tracks. But madrinería attracted me, I enjoyed it a lot, as it has its own audience,” he explained.
His personal signature was the manganas, ropes thrown under the arm that the audience would eagerly request at every appearance.
“Some people go to the rodeo to see the lassoers or the bull riders, but I became known for the manganas; when I appeared, the audience asked for them, both here and at other tracks across the country,” he recalled.
He traveled to the island's main fairs: from the International in Rancho Boyeros in Havana to the tracks in Manicaragua, Las Tunas, Bayamo, and Camagüey, always with quarter horses, which he preferred for their gentleness and ability to work with cattle.
Beyond the arenas, he was a voluntary blood donor and a long-time supporter of the Home for Children without Family Protection in Sancti Spíritus.
The day was doubly sorrowful for the Spiritano cowboy world, as the same day also marked the passing of Manuel Jiménez Nazco, known as Manolito. A cultural promoter, announcer, and historian of the rodeo in Sancti Spíritus, Manolito hailed from a founding family of the rodeo in the province and was regarded as one of the best announcers on the island.
Understanding the Impact of Negro Mencía on Cuban Rodeo
Who was Negro Mencía in the Cuban rodeo community?
Negro Mencía, whose real name was Carlos Mencía González, was a legendary figure in the Cuban rodeo scene, known for his skill and elegance as a rider and his significant contributions to the community.
What role did Negro Mencía play in rodeos?
Mencía was celebrated as a madrinero, a role that involves performing intricate rope tricks and maneuvers, captivating audiences at rodeo events across Cuba.
How did the Cuban cowboy community honor Negro Mencía?
The community organized a final procession featuring horses, mariachis, and fellow cowboys, reflecting his deep connection to the rodeo and the people who admired him.