29th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Welcomes Italian Buckaroos

Elko, Nevada—The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering—the nation’s greatest celebration of the American West, its people, culture and traditions—has its own long legacy of hosting ranch people and cowboys from around the globe. Past participants have hailed from Mongolia, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, France, Hungary, Australia and the British Isles. The 29th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, will welcome butteri, cowboys from Italy, who have their own unique poetry, music, gear and traditional techniques, but still have much in common with their counterparts in the American West and cattle cultures across the globe. The event is produced by the Western Folklife Center and takes place January 28 to February 2, 2013, in Elko, Nevada. The Italian cultural exchange is part of the Western Folklife Center’s ongoing effort to build understanding among herding cultures worldwide, explains Executive Director Charlie Seemann. “We believe it is important to introduce American ranchers and cowboys to others who share their occupation but may have different ways of accomplishing their work. Over the years, our cultural exchanges have created awareness and appreciation for how other cultures operate, and we’ve learned from each other. It’s been very rewarding for everyone involved.”