Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassy Lopez.
Hi Cassy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It all started in the summer of 2021.
My brother was invited to a meeting but couldn’t attend, so he asked me to go in his place. I had no idea what to expect, but I showed up — and because they mentioned it might involve rodeo, I brought my godfather with me.
During that meeting, they asked a simple question:
“Can you put on a Mexican rodeo in the Fort Worth Stockyards?”
Without hesitation, I said yes.
They presented a few options, and I went back to my brother to explain everything. After I shared what I thought was the best direction, he looked at me and said, “Okay… you got it?”
I was confused at first — what do you mean I got it?
And he said, “It’s yours. Good luck.”
That moment changed my life.
At the time, I had just graduated from Tarleton State University with a degree in business and was working in billing. I didn’t have a clear vision for my future yet, but I knew how much I loved the western lifestyle, ranch life, and our culture.
So I took the opportunity and ran with it.
I had no experience, no roadmap — just determination. I started researching, networking, and learning everything I could. Within four weeks, I produced my very first rodeo on September 18, 2021.
After that event, the response was immediate:
“When is the next one?”
That’s when I knew we had something special.
What started as one opportunity has grown into México en la Sangre, a cultural rodeo and festival that celebrates Mexican heritage through charro traditions, escaramuzas, folklórico, music, and community.
Today, we host major events at Will Rogers Coliseum and continue expanding.
But the most meaningful part of this journey is the people behind it.
I now lead a team of over 100 individuals, and the majority of them are family — not just by blood, but by shared values, culture, and commitment. My mom has always been my number one supporter, and my sister now serves as the director of the festival side of the event.
For years, I worked behind the scenes. Not many people knew who I was or what I did. Recently, I’ve started sharing my story — and I do so with pride.
Because this was never just about putting on an event.
It’s about creating something that brings people together, gives them a sense of belonging, and allows them to celebrate who they are.
This is a movement.
And we’re just getting started.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road.
In the beginning, I had no experience and no clear roadmap. I had to learn everything from scratch — from production to sponsorships to managing large-scale events.
One of the biggest challenges was earning trust and credibility. I had to prove myself not only within the professional business community, but also within the charro and Mexican cultural world. From charros and escaramuzas to dancing horses and musicians, I had to earn their respect and continue to maintain it.
There were also cultural barriers early on. When I first started, many performers were hesitant to participate. They felt unsure, even unwelcomed. At our first event, the Hispanic demographic was actually a small percentage of our audience.
Over time, that completely shifted.
Today, our events are filled with families from the Hispanic community who come with pride, excitement, and a sense of belonging. Performers who were once unsure now return year after year and now see this as their home.
Another major challenge was sponsorship. When I first started reaching out, I faced many closed doors. It was discouraging at times, but it taught me persistence and belief in what I was building. I will always remember the one person who stopped in the middle of his workday at Jobes Hats to listen to my vision — moments like that kept me going.
Every challenge along the way forced me to grow, stay resilient, and continue pushing forward, even when things felt uncertain.
We’ve been impressed with Mexico en la Sangre , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
México en la Sangre is a cultural rodeo and festival that celebrates and preserves Mexican heritage through charrería traditions, escaramuzas, folklórico dance, live music, dancing horses, and a vibrant marketplace of local vendors. Our events bring together families, performers, and the community to experience these traditions in an authentic and meaningful way.
What sets us apart is the sense of community we have built. I am most proud of the people who have joined us along this journey — our fans, participants, and families. Over time, we have truly become one big family. Seeing thousands of smiling faces, people dancing with joy, and generations coming together at each event makes all the hard work worth it. The feeling is honestly indescribable.
México en la Sangre is about more than entertainment. It is about creating a space where culture is honored, traditions are preserved, and people feel a true sense of belonging.
For those who have never experienced it, we welcome everyone with open arms. I invite readers to visit our website and join us for our upcoming rodeo — our first event at Will Rogers Coliseum — for a full day of culture, tradition, music, and celebration.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I would not be where I am today without the people who have guided, supported, and believed in me along the way.
One of my biggest mentors has been Clayton Cullen, who was the General Manager of the coliseum when I first started. He has produced some of the most well-known rodeos in the area, and he took the time to patiently teach me the ins and outs of the industry. His knowledge and willingness to guide me early on played a huge role in building my foundation.
Another mentor of mine is Patricia Castillo, the producer of Michelada Fest. I admire the way she stands firm in her beliefs and leads with integrity. She has always encouraged others to do things the right way, and that has stayed with me. Both Clayton and Patricia have always been just a phone call away, and their continued support and guidance mean more to me than I can put into words.
My mom is my number one supporter and my biggest cheerleader. She has been by my side through everything. Before every rodeo, we pray together — it’s a tradition that grounds me and reminds me of why I do this. Those moments are something I deeply cherish, and they are a big part of what keeps me going. Making her proud has always been one of my biggest motivations.
I am also incredibly grateful for my team, especially our rodeo director, Isabel Valdez. She is someone I met along this journey who has become an essential part of what we do. She has taken on so much responsibility and has helped guide our team with strength and dedication. She is truly my right-hand woman and has helped carry so much of the weight, allowing me to breathe and focus on leading the bigger picture.
As we continue to grow, I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by a team and group of leaders who believe in what we are building. I look forward to the future we are creating together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://MexicoInOurBlood.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mexicoinourblood
- Facebook: facebook.com/mexicoinourblood
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCehMF-oEJ65Xz3YE0agVUrA
Image Credits
Bulll Stock Media
The Leather Cactus
