Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil's most southern state, has since long been home to gauchos [cowboys], who inhabit the pampas – grassy plains – to herd cattle. Through time the Sulistas, as the inhabitants of Rio Grande do Sul are called, have pursued separatism and every year the important Farrapos War is commemorated during a gaucho festival, called "Semana Farroupilha".
CTG – Centre of Gaucho Traditions in Brazil
In the 19th century a ten years’ civil war, the Revoluçao Farroupilha, was fought between the Empire and the region which is now Rio Grande do Sul. It did not lead to their greatly desired independence, but did earn Rio Grande do Sul more rights as a state. This civil war is commemorated every year in Rio Grande do Sul as well as in other Sulistas communities in Brazil, like in Mato Grosso.
Traditional Sulistas [Southerners] organise themselves in CTGs. In these Centres of Gaucho Traditions activities related to their roots are organised. For example, at CTGs children at a young age start learning the traditional Rio Grande do Sul dances called fandangos – a combination of singing and tap dancing. Among their popular dances are Tirana, Balalo, Guthrie and Pau de Fita.
Semana Farroupilha, a Gaucho Festival
Since 1996, September 20 is an official holiday in Rio Grande do Sul and each year [September 13-20] Semana Farroupilha is celebrated, in commemoration of the Farrapos War. During this week gaucho dances, music and traditions come back to life in the form of parades, shows of fandango dances, typical music and other manifestations of Rio Grande de Sul.
On September 20, the festival ends with a splendid evening of traditional gaucho dances, where young and old are dressed in traditional gaucho clothes. Men wear high, leather boots in which they tuck their baggy gaucho pants and they wear a neckerchief tied at the throat. Women are dressed in ankle-length, wide skirts with white blouses or brightly coloured dresses and may put flowers in their hair.
It is possible to watch these festivities but showing up at the dance in traveller's shorts and t-shirt most certainly isn’t done. Dress appropriately and catch a glimpse of the pride and traditions of Brazil's Sulistas. Ask for the exact details of date, entrance fee and location at a Tourist Information or Secretaria de Turismo in Rio Grande do Sul, or in other states with Sulistas communities like Mato Grosso.
Semana Farroupilha in Brazil – a Week of Gaucho Traditions
During Semana Farroupilha the Farrapos War is commemorated and festivities like gaucho dances and music are organised. Visiting a festivity during this festival offers a glimpse of Rio Grande do Sul's gaucho traditions.
Readers interested in gaucho traditions and festivals may be interested in Argentina's gaucho traditions.
Karin-Marijke Vis - Karin-Marijke Vis is a bilingual writer (Dutch-English) who has been traveling in Asia and South America since 2003.
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