A huaso (feminine huasa) is a Chilean countryman and skilled horseman, similar to the Argentinian gaucho and the American cowboy.
Huasos (plural) live in Chile's central valley and ride horses and typically wear a straw hat called a chupalla . They also wear a poncho called a manta or a chamanto (although this is generally reserved to land owners, as it is much more expensive), boots with rowels, and many other typical garments.
Huasos are an important part of Chilean folkloric culture and are a vital part of parades, fiestas, and holidays.
In Chile the term huaso or ahuasado (in a huaso way) is also used disparagingly to refer to people without manners or lacking in big-city experience.
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