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Tuesday, February 11, 2025 – Monte Genaro / La Noria / La Gloria
«It is a knight’s duty to ride and restrain himself; the horse is given to the knight as a sign of the nobility of his valor.» —Ramon Llull
When it comes to early mornings filled with intense activity, the first day of the ride is always one of them. As the sun settles over the arid lands of La Pampa, a hundred men and boys—aspiring to be true men (from the Latin varo, varonis, meaning “strong, valiant,” a variation of viro, ablative of vir, from which virile and virtue derive)—all head toward the small altar where the traditional Holy Mass is celebrated. Excitement and nervousness fill the air as the first saddling of the Cavalcade for the Martyrs of Tradition approaches. After a light and frugal breakfast, this hundred-strong company of riders heads to the corrals, where they will meet the horse that will accompany them on their journey.
«It is a knight’s duty to care for the horse entrusted to him,» the priest reminds us, prompting reflection on every man’s obligation to care for and nurture all that is under his charge, elevating it so that it is ordered toward the Supreme Good. That very ordering toward the Supreme Good is what this ride embodies: the animals, the means—everything is directed by the Cause.
Once each rider has saddled his horse, the paterfamilias perform the tradere—the ceremonial passing of the ride’s banners to their sons—who then carry out the corresponding accipiens, accepting the banners to honor and defend them.
With this ceremony, the ride begins with vigor and enthusiasm by mid-morning. The sun may bear heavily upon the riders and their mounts, yet spirits remain high, and the reunions of fellow riders help distract from the journey. Everything proceeds smoothly, particularly the steady tranco, tranco! of the baqueanos, who, as always, set the pace for the horses.
The first stop occurs past midday upon reaching the post at La Noria. Awaiting us, as always, is our beloved Mercedes Benz with its indomitable driver. A well-seasoned lunch invites us to seek a shady spot to rest.
As the afternoon progresses, the mate begins to circulate. It is time to saddle up and set out once more. Before departing, we pass by the Cross that, on a previous occasion, we fixed as a milestone of our Crusade’s civilizational mark—sanctifying the land.
The journey continues uneventfully. As the sun sets, it signals the time for the Ordenanza del Requeté and the Rosary. The Salve is sung at a gentle gallop along the narrow path. Finally, we arrive at La Gloria, where a meal awaits, and the guitars begin to play. The rider rests, the horse drinks and feeds. Both know that the journey is only beginning and, with that in mind, they seek restorative sleep.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 – La Gloria / Costa del Colorado
«Behold how little worth are the things we chase and run after, for in this treacherous world, even before we die, we lose them.» —Jorge Manrique
The cool night restores the riders’ bodies, and the morning Holy Mass strengthens their spirits. In La Gloria, activity begins to stir, and during breakfast—amid honest laughter and shared mate—each rider anticipates the day ahead.
The order to saddle up is given, and everyone sets to work. Names continue to be called out, and some riders have yet to learn their horse’s name or recognize it. Some are still inexperienced at saddling, so, though quicker than the day before, some time is spent before setting off. At last, we depart under a sun that presses but does not choke. The strongest heat has not yet fallen upon the column. The scent of the monte surrounds us, and together with the dust and thirst, it erodes our weaknesses, restoring us in a way to that integral man who does not yield to comfort.
In the vastness of the pampa, the soul takes a deep breath and expands, reconnecting with what lifts it above the body. It is curious how, while our bodies crack under the pressure of the elements, our souls take the opportunity to strengthen.
By midday, we finally reach the Trancamilla post, where the meager shade of two trees is our only refuge. There, we enjoy an excellent pastel de papas, which prepares us for a brief siesta. Given the limited shade, all the riders huddle closely together to escape the sun.
As the siesta ends, we gather for mate and enter the most intellectual part of our pilgrimage. The first lecture teaches and demonstrates how the ordering of what belongs to Caesar must be subject to what is due to God. Meanwhile, the horses, almost like silent listeners, feed in the nearby corral.
As the sun begins to set, it is time to head toward our refuge for the night. The journey becomes more pleasant as we near the Colorado basin, where the landscape takes on deeper greens. The Salve is sung, and before we can finish, we arrive at the banks of the Colorado River.
Reaching the river is an oasis. The horses bathe along the shore while the riders gather around the fire. The guitars play loudly, and everyone sings as dinner—hamburgers—is prepared. Since we will remain by the river in the morning, there is permission to play music late into the night. The stars bear silent witness to the zambas and chacareras we sing with all our hearts.
Thursday, February 13, 2025 – Banks of the Colorado River / La Luz
«Here, at last, courtesy, good manners, truth, firmness, loyalty, honor, gallantry, reputation, perseverance, patience, humility, and obedience—fame, honor, and life itself—are the wealth of poor soldiers. For, in good or bad fortune, the military life is nothing but a religion of honorable men.» —Pedro Calderón de la Barca
The wake-up time is extended since there is no rush to saddle up. Thus, Thursday of the ride begins, after Mass, with a leisurely breakfast. The river runs swiftly and coolly beside us, tempting all. There will be time for a bath later; for now, it is time for lectures.
The first speaker does justice to his lineage, providing an exposition of Thomistic clarity, much like his grandfather. The second is our relic, Tío Juan, who, as always, shares his wisdom with his excellent oratory. The theme: Christ the King—a concept that only our elder can convey with such passion and clarity. A brief reflection on the eternal struggle between Rome and Carthage follows, a battle that continues to this day.
After nourishing our minds with good ideas, the sun suggests another good idea—visiting the river. Like a baptism, many are thrown in by designated squads ensuring no one remains dry. Some resist fiercely, but most accept the bath with little opposition and great joy.
The baths bring on hunger. And for that, a fine asado awaited us by the fire, its quality assured by the local ingredients. Spirits could not be higher.
Thus, after a brief rest, we saddle up once more, this time heading for La Luz, our ever-obligatory stop. The horses face a rockier path and feel the challenge. The approaching storm takes shape in the southern sky. Some riders, caught off guard by camouflaged holes in the clouded terrain, take falls, but by the direct action of the Virgin, no serious injuries occur.
As we reach La Luz, a relentless wind forces us to prepare dinner quickly. The wind does not allow for music, so all seek shelter and rest.
Friday, February 14, 2025 – La Luz
«And if now you reflect that you place your life at the service of this cause… admire the Divine Mercy that has placed in your conscience the light from the heights, illuminating the path of the martyr.» —Requeté Devotional
Friday in La Luz is always a day of games and leisure. The rider knows he needs it after three days of sun and horseback riding.
After Holy Mass, breakfast gives way to the first conference, delivered by our chaplain. The topic is Quas Primas, the encyclical published by Pius XI exactly a century ago. This is followed by a brief address from one of the hosts of the ride. Finally, the traditional historical lecture of the year is given—this time on Saint Fernando, Catholic king.
After lunch and a siesta, the traditional pugilistic duels begin. Here, young and old exchange blows in a spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie. There are no official winners—only strengthened bonds of brotherhood. This year also marks the debut of the knife duels. Esgrima criolla is a success, and though blood is shed, it is only theatrical—red shoe polish marking whether a hit has landed or not.
Finally, the corrals become the stage for the games. El Dormido, always a favorite, introduces a new category: heavyweight riders. Naturally, the less experienced participate as well. The number of participants requires division into ten teams, each named in reference to the Cause that unites us. While everyone gathers with their respective team, one distracted rider frantically shouts in the corral that a member of his team is missing—Andreas Hofer—unaware that the Tyrolean martyr may find it difficult to attend.
Following El Dormido, the escalpos de boina take place, but with a twist this year: the event is held in the tajamar. The game becomes even more thrilling, as the horses lose agility moving through the water. The battles are fierce.
There is no time to waste after this, as the night’s great attraction is about to begin—the Cabal-Cante, the singing competition. The audience is large, as all the women from Pichi Mahuida have arrived.
The performances are of high caliber, and the winning group is La Osa Mayol, which, in addition to their excellent performance, takes the opportunity to promote a brand of hats—quite useful under the pampas sun.
Between pizzas and the contest, the night flies by, and once the musical event concludes, the dance begins—lasting until there is no one left to dance with, as the female audience departs.
Saturday, February 15, 2025 – La Luz / Tranquera Blanca
«What a paradox these dead, who among green clovers rise barely a hand’s breadth! They do not surpass the flowers—yet they surpass the summits!»
—José María Pemán
A happy rider softly whistles a chacarera from the previous night, reflecting the general spirit—joy and satisfaction from the evening’s music. The good women who support the effort of the ride, by attending the guitarreada, have left everyone in high spirits, and more than a few, smitten.
From Holy Mass and breakfast, we move to a brief round of discussions and resolutions. Minds sharpen, and debates require keen intellect and a generous heart toward one’s neighbor. Delicate topics must be handled with care, and so they are.
Then comes the moment many dread—the time to write the reflection that will be read that very night. The silence before lunch speaks to the concentration required to put thoughts into words. After lunch, a short siesta prepares us for the long journey ahead. Saddling up is relatively quick, and we set off. Several leagues separate us from Pichi, and the heat is relentless, but knowing we are getting closer spurs us on.
As the sun begins to set, the familiar landscape of Pichi appears before our eyes. The Ordenanza is recited one last time for this year, its maxims and examples burning into our memory. «Incapable of any pact that sacrifices the ideal» resounds in everyone’s ears. Each rider, already anticipating the return to daily life, knows how he must carry himself under that standard.
The Rosary is prayed in silence, and, united in song with all our strength, the Salve and the hymn rise over the furious gallop. We reach the final stop, where, by moonlight, we read our humble reflections before all those who make the ride possible. There will be no shortage of thanks from Tío Juan, nor the resounding cries of «¡Presente!» in honor of those comrades who have already departed.
Sunday, February 16, 2025 – Tranquera Blanca / San Genaro
«Tower, ark, and staff you are, in such an illustrious lineage, for they have chosen a carpenter to be your spouse.» —Lope de Vega
The final day of the ride has arrived. We rise with the sun, and breakfast, like on the first day, is quick, as everyone is eager to set off. Saddling up is nearly flawless—over the past days, everyone has refined their skills, and the horses, now tired, are calmer.
As we advance and San Genaro comes into view, the selection of standard-bearers and escorts takes place—those who have distinguished themselves by merit and should be recognized as examples to follow. In formation behind them, we parade before our loved ones, making our way to the chapel, where we will consecrate ourselves to the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary.
There, our ride comes to an end. There, we lay down our efforts and sacrifices. From Monte Genaro to San Genaro, we have journeyed in search of that which elevates us. Throughout the ride, we moved from field to field, from shelter to shelter, but only in Her do we find the refuge from which we shall never depart.
AVE COR MARIÆ
P. Laxague
Translated by Daniel Alejandro Rodríguez Guerra (gaucho exiliado)
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