Happy TravellerAlegrete is a charming municipality located in Rio Grande do Sul, in southern Brazil. This city has a medium altitude of 102 m (335 ft) and an estimated population of 73,028 inhabitants as of 2020. It is the largest municipality in the state, as well as in southern Brazil, covering an area of 7,803.967 km2 (3,013.129 sq mi). The people of Alegrete are known as Alegretenses.
Alegrete was founded in 1816 and became a municipality in 1857. It is the birthplace of several notable figures such as Franklin Gomes Souto, an abolitionist leader, Osvaldo Aranha, a politician, diplomat, and statesman who served as the first President of the United Nations General Assembly, and Mário Quintana, a prominent Brazilian poet.
One of the most significant events in Alegrete is the Ragamuffin War Day, celebrated every September 20. On this day, around 8,000 horsemen and horsewomen parade through the streets wearing their native costumes and riding horses with trappings. It’s a lively and colorful event that attracts tourists from all over Brazil and beyond.
Alegrete is also home to the Gaudêncio Machado Ramos Airport, which serves both domestic and regional flights. For nature lovers, the municipality contains part of the Ibirapuitã Biological Reserve, a fully protected conservation area that covers 351 hectares (870 acres) of the pampas biome.
In Alegrete, visitors can enjoy the beautiful landscapes, taste the local cuisine, and learn about the city’s rich history and culture. For a taste of the local cuisine, be sure to try the traditional barbecued meat, known as churrasco. Alegrete is an undiscovered gem that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Visit Alegrete and discover the beauty of southern Brazil for yourself!
== References ==
[1] Alegrete (Google Maps)
[2] Alegrete (Official Website)
