Cowboys, Chimarrao and Churrasco
The center of the Brazilian Gaucho culture
Our Brazil trip today leads to Rio Grande do Sul. As the name suggests, this state is located in the south of Brazil. Numerous highlights can be found here. Just a few examples of many are the Iguacu waterfalls, the capital Porto Alegre (English "happy port"), the canyons Cambara do Sul, and the National Park Aparados da Serra. From natural wonders and beaches to the big city, there is a lot to discover. Deeply rooted in the tradition of this state are the Gauchos (English: cattle herders). They do not call and feel themselves Brazilians, but Gauchos. But what does that mean?
The word 'gaucho' comes originally from the Spanish and Portuguese language and describes the cattle herders in South America. It is most likely to be associated with Argentina. But this culture is also found in Paraguay, Uruguay and Rio Grande do Sul. It is omnipresent in daily life, in tourism, and at festivals and events. The term Gaucho is difficult to define. Deeply rooted in the history of South America, it stands for a population group that has been shaped by a wide variety of influences. Indigenous inhabitants as well as Spanish and Portuguese settlers have left their footprint.
Typical in the everyday life of Brazilian cowboys is the mate tea, also known as chimarrao. A drink that is omnipresent in Rio Grande do Sul. Everyone drinks it, always and everywhere. Be it on the street, at the market, in stores, or at sunset on Rio Guaiba in Porto Alegre, a popular meeting place for young and old. The hot green tea is enjoyed from a hollowed-out piece of a gourd and through a metal tube with a sieve at the bottom. The vessel is filled with mate and then infused with hot water. It is customary and part of the good education to drink it completely until a sucking sound is heard.
Churrasco dominates the diet of the gauchos. In this barbecue, meat is prepared on skewers over an open fire. Side dishes are vegetables, salad, rice, and polenta.
Another characteristic of Brazilian cowboys is their clothing. The men wear leather boots, which reach up to the knees. The wide pants are tucked into the boots and are combined with a shirt, poncho, and hat made of leather or felt. The cowgirls dress in costumes with a hoop skirt and knee-breeches. A shawl serves as an accessory. Especially at traditional events the representatives of the gaucho culture like to adorn themselves with their most beautiful feathers.
The cattle herders have also left their mark on the Portuguese language. A very common example is the personal salutation You. Instead of the usual voce in Brazil, the gaucho style is tu. Friends are called tche, while the term amigo is common in Brazil.
It is worthwhile to experience the Gaucho way of life live during a Brazilian vacation. If you are interested in the authentic customs and values of this community, Rio Grande do Sul is the place to be. The open-minded people with their warm-heartedness like to exceed all common expectations of good hospitality...
Source: viajargramado.com.br