LETHEM, the regional capital of the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo region, is once again gearing up to welcome thousands as the Rupununi Ranchers’ Rodeo returns over the Easter weekend, from April 18 to 20, 2025. Chairperson of the Rupununi Livestock Producers Association (RLPA), Kyle Joseph assured that this year’s event will be bigger and better.

This year’s theme, both powerful and poignant— ‘Legendary Stories, Legendary Rides’—aims to celebrate some of rodeo’s biggest names and best riders, including a few who have passed on.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Joseph said: “The purpose of that theme is really to celebrate our legends of the Rupununi, who have truly contributed to the Rupununi—the cowboy culture, the rodeo culture.”
He added, “We would have lost some legends over this past year. So, we really wanted to take the opportunity to remember and recognise those persons who are still with us.”
Now widely regarded as one of the largest national events in Guyana, the Rupununi Ranchers’ Rodeo is deeply rooted in tradition, yet it continues to change and expand with every passing year.
According to Joseph, this year’s lineup will include all the usual excitement, from “bull riding and saddleback bronco riding to bareback bronco riding and horse racing.”
He also hinted at an exciting addition, describing it as a “new layer of thrills.”

“We’re looking to add a little bit of extra into it. We have a lot of motorcycle racing…perhaps dune buggy racing…a lot more VIP experiences. And a different park, a twist to the park we have,” he shared.
As the opening day of the rodeo approaches, preparations are nearing completion.
The RLPA chairman stated: “Preparations for rodeo starts quite a bit in advance. We usually try to get at least some meetings started by maybe September, October of the previous year. The main part of the organising happens at the rodeo committee. This is a subcommittee that’s made up of smaller committees that are in charge of décor, entertainment, livestock, and generally putting the event together.”
Among the most important steps in preparation for this spectacular event is funding. Currently, Joseph and his fellow organisers are in talks with sponsors from both the public and private sectors.
“We really do try to get a head start on sponsorships from the private sector, various ministries, and departments. Currently, we’re in the process of receiving all of those sponsorships and making sure that the rodeo site looks welcoming.”

With the event just days away, he shared his excitement, noting that “a lot of on-the-ground work is happening” and that preparations are progressing swiftly.

But while the rodeo is known for its daring events and festive energy, its significance goes far beyond the dust and drama of the arena. It is a tradition that breathes new life into the region.
Joseph reminded: “The Rupununi Rodeo is very traditional; it’s an incredible culture. Rodeo is not just what happens within Lethem; rodeo is what happens within Central Rupununi. People even come from far to spend a week, perhaps two weeks…”
As the event draws near, it is not just tourists and bull riders who are gearing up, businesses are also preparing to capitalise on the occasion. The Rupununi Ranchers’ Rodeo has evolved into a highly anticipated tourism event, driving economic growth in the region.