The culture of South region of Brazil, formed by Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, is characterized by the influence of immigrants who arrived mainly during the 19th century, where they left undeniable prominence in the formation of the people Brazilian.
According to 1998 data from the IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics), the southern region of Brazil has a population of 24,546,983 inhabitants.
European immigrants in the southern region
In southern culture it is possible to perceive a great European influence in all forms of cultural manifestations. This is due to the history of immigrant occupation in this region of the country.
Portuguese immigrants
In 1808, D. João arrived in Brazil and was concerned with populating the south of the country not only to develop the region's economy, but also to guarantee possession of the territory for Portugal.
Soon, Portuguese immigrants arrived, mainly from the Azores Archipelago, and settled in the coast of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, where they dedicated themselves to fishing and agriculture of subsistence.
german immigrants
The Germans deserve special mention, not only because they had a large contingent, but also because they made an important contribution to the expansion of economic occupation.
In addition, they created a new landscape thanks to the spread of small farms, to construction of typical chalets, and the introduction of craft activities, the embryo of important industries.
The cities that received the greatest number of German immigrants were, São Leopoldo and Novo Hamburgo, in Rio Grande do Sul; Blumenau, Joinville, Brusque and São Bento do Sul, in Santa Catarina; Londrina, Rio Negro and Cruzeiro do Oeste, in Paraná, among others.
Blumenau and Joinville are cities strongly marked by the Germanic architecture of the houses. The city of Pomerode, in Santa Catarina, is the most German city in Brazil.
italian immigrants
The Italians occupied an undeniable position in the formation of the culture of the Southern Region. They arrived from 1870 onwards and initially settled in rural areas.
In Rio Grande do Sul, they were mainly dedicated to the cultivation and industrialization of grapes. Many of its initial centers became important cities such as Caxias do Sul, Bento Gonçalves and Garibaldi.
In Santa Catarina, they dedicated themselves to a varied agriculture. They founded important cities such as Nova Trento, Urussanga and Nova Veneza.
In regions where they are more numerous, they introduced habits and customs from their country of origin, with emphasis on the consumption of pasta in food.
Viniculture is one of the main cultural aspects of the South Region that reflects the influence of Italian immigration.
Serra Gaúcha is of great importance on the national scene due to its wine production. The city of Caxias do Sul, for example, stands out as the main wine production center in the country.
Other immigrants in the South Region
The culture of the South Region was also influenced by Poles and Ukrainians, who settled in Paraná.
There, they left marks on the landscape, thanks to their wooden houses.
Southern Region Parties
The impact of Italian immigration is also reflected in the diversity of popular festivals in the region.
Discover the main parties in the southern region of Brazil.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is a festival of Germanic traditions, originally celebrated in Munich, which takes place in October in some southern cities. Among them are Blumenau (SC), Santa Cruz do Sul (RS) and Santa Rosa (RS).
Considered the largest German festival in the Americas, Oktoberfest features a beer festival, with shows, parades, typical dances and varied cuisine.
Feast of Our Lady of the Navigators
The feast of Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes, held in Rio Grande do Sul, is a tradition brought by the Portuguese. It is a procession in which the image of Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes is taken to the Sanctuary.
Originally the procession was fluvial, but after impediment by the Captaincy of Ports, it became terrestrial.
Grape party
The traditional Grape Festival, takes place in February and portrays the Italian colonization through parades, regional shows and an exhibition of grapes and wines.
Dances of the South Region
Discover the main dances of southern Brazil.
ribbon dance
Also called pau-de-fitas, the dance of the ribbons consists of a kind of pole of about 3 meters where they are attached several colored ribbons held by the dancers who rotate around the mast to form designs with the tapes.
chimarrite
Chimarrita is a dance of Portuguese origin whose music has a very lively rhythm.
The dancers form couples who dance tap and clap their hands.
foul
The chula is a dance derived from a Portuguese dance.
It consists of a male dance where participants dance around a wooden stick performing jumps and tap dances.
Interested in learning more about dancing? Don't miss the texts below!
- folk dances
- History of dance in Brazil
South Region Songs
Check below a list with the main musical styles and rhythms of the South of Brazil.
- fandango
- Vanerão
- Xote
- Call me
- Balaio
- Armadillo
- Machete
- tape stick
- band music
Southern Clothing
Find out what are the main typical costumes of the South.
Bombas
Bombachas are baggy pants, sometimes worn inside boots, that are buttoned at the ankle.
They are usually made of tergal, linen, denim or cotton.
Poncho
The poncho is a piece of clothing typical of South America, widely used in southern Brazil as protection against the cold.
gift dress
The gift dress is the typical female gaucho costume.
It is usually a dress with no neckline or a very discreet neckline, adorned with lace, embroidery, ribbons and/or ruffles, among others.
South Region Crafts
As well as other cultural aspects of southern Brazil, handicrafts are influenced by European immigration to the region.
Check below some of the main arts that represent the traditions of the South Region.
- income
- Ceramics
- Crafts with porongo
- pessankas
- wood carvings
- Leather Crafts
Southern Cuisine
Discover the main typical dishes of southern Brazil.
Barbecue
The barbecue is a specialty of Rio Grande do Sul that originated in the Pampa region.
The barbecue preparation can be done on a barbecue or on the ground (type of preparation known as a ground fire.)
In southern Brazil, meat is roasted on skewers. In other regions of Brazil, they are sometimes roasted on a grill.
chimarrão
Chimarrão is a typical drink from the south, made with yerba mate.
The herb is placed in a kind of gourd and then irrigated with boiling water. The result is a kind of tea, consumed without sugar.
Cooked Corn Meal
Polenta is a typical Italian dish that has also become popular in southern Brazil. It consists of a delicacy made with cornmeal, water and salt and its preparation can be fried or cooked.
head
Cuca is a dish of German origin that consists of a kind of tray cake made with fruits, such as banana and apple, which has a slightly crunchy topping and is served in pieces.
Other typical dishes from the South Region
- carter rice
- Angel chat
- Barred
- Baked pine nuts
- Ambrosia
Also read about the culture of other Brazilian regions:
- Southeast culture: discover its traditions
- Northern Culture: know its wealth
- Northeast Culture: everything you need to know
- Midwest culture: parties, dances and much more
folklore quiz
Don't stop here! Toda Matéria selected a series of very rich texts to help you expand your knowledge:
- Cultural diversity in Brazil
- Brazilian folklore: legends, games, songs, dances and parties
- Source of popular expressions you need to know
- Unmissable Legends of the South Region
- Feast of the Divine
