Happy TravellerWelcome to Caxias do Sul, a vibrant city located in the mountainous Serra Gaúcha region of Southern Brazil. Established by Italian immigrants in 1890, Caxias do Sul is now the second largest city in the state of Rio Grande do Sul with a population of over 500,000 people. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, industrial prowess, and stunning natural beauty. Join us as we explore the history, culture, and attractions that make Caxias do Sul a must-visit destination.
History:
Caxias do Sul has a fascinating history that dates back to the time of Indigenous peoples and cattlemen. The arrival of Italian immigrants in 1875 marked a significant turning point in the city’s development. These farmers from the Veneto, Lombardy, Trento, and other regions of Italy brought with them their culture, traditions, and a strong work ethic. They settled in the region, urbanized it, and started a fast-paced process of industrialization. Today, Caxias do Sul is an important city and the center of the Italian presence in Southern Brazil.
Culture:
Culture in Caxias do Sul is diverse and vibrant. The city has many intensely active museums and cultural centers, both private and official, and the Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS) which sponsors an art gallery, a museum, a huge library, and a symphonic orchestra. The city is also hosting the 2022 Summer Deaflympics, becoming the first ever Deaflympics to be ever held in South America and the Latin America. Visitors can explore the historical architecture, eclectic houses, public buildings, and Neo-Gothic churches. The city also hosts the National Grape and Wine Festival, which celebrates the Italian heritage. Its one of the most famous events in the country and its called Festa da Uva, when lots of merrymaking, wine-drinking, grapes and people animate the month of February, every two years (on even-numbered years).
Attractions:
Caxias do Sul has many tourist attractions, including museums, churches, culture, music, and all types of leisure activities. Visitors interested in the region’s wine can visit the Château Lacave Castle, a 6th Century-style medieval structure that currently functions as a winery. The city is also one of the four settlements along the Caminhos da Colônia scenic tourist route in the Serra Gaúcha. Nature lovers can explore the stunning landscapes, mountains, and countryside. The city also has a rich culinary scene, with mouthwatering local cuisine that reflects its Italian heritage.
Economy:
Caxias do Sul is recognized as an Entrepreneurial-Exporting Hub in the country. The city is home to several small, medium, large, and multinational companies, including Marcopolo, Randon S.A., Agrale S/A, Tramontina, Grendene, Todeschini, and Hyco Hidrover. These companies operate in the sectors of road equipment, railway wagons, specialty vehicles, auto parts, automotive systems, and services.
Football Teams:
Caxias do Sul is home to the S.E.R. Caxias and Juventude football clubs. Juventude has accomplished more at a national level, having played in the first division of the Campeonato Brasileiro for more than fifteen seasons and winning the 1999 edition of the Copa do Brasil. Caxias has been playing in the fourth division since 2016. Juventude made it back into the first division in 2020.
Sister City:
Caxias do Sul has a sister city relationship with Little Rock, Arkansas, United States.
We hope this article has inspired you to visit Caxias do Sul, a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Come and experience the Pearl of the Colonies for yourself!
