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Since 2006, the World Cowgirl Competition (Concurso Mundial de la Mujer Vaquera) has been held, an initiative by a group of women from Villavicencio who organized this event to break into a space traditionally considered exclusively male. The event is typically held in Villavicencio, although in recent years it has also been hosted in places like Acacías and Girardot.
Over five days, women from various departments of the eastern plains and countries such as Venezuela, Panama, Mexico, and Brazil participate in skill challenges across five different categories: milking, roping, barrel racing (where contestants must ride in a zigzag pattern between barrels), pole bending, and saddle racing, where participants must saddle their horse as quickly as possible before performing a speed test. At the end of the competition, the contestant with the highest accumulated score is awarded.
In addition to the competition, the event includes live music, food fairs featuring typical "llanera" cuisine, and exhibitions of horse breeds.
The World Cowgirl Competition (Concurso Mundial de la Mujer Vaquera) is not only an opportunity to experience the culture of this region of Colombia, but it also strengthens ties between neighboring countries around shared customs in their ranching areas and, most importantly, celebrates the bravery, strength, and skill of Colombian women.
