Caxias do Sul history

The history of Caxias do Sul is inextricably linked to the wave of Italian immigration to Brazil in the second half of the 19th century. The city, which has become one of the main centres of Italian culture in the country, has transformed from a small colony into an important industrial hub in southern Brazil.

Foundation and First Mentions

Officially, the municipality of Caxias do Sul was established on 20 June 1890. However, its history began fifteen years earlier, in 1875, when the Brazilian government launched a programme to settle the southern regions, attracting immigrants from Europe. Thousands of settlers arrived on these lands, mainly from the Veneto, Lombardy, and Trentino regions of Italy. Initially, the settlement was named "Campo dos Bugres", but it was soon renamed "Colônia de Caxias", before receiving its modern name.

Key Formation Factors

The rapid development of the settlement was driven by several factors:

• Geographical Location: The city is located in the Serra Gaúcha mountain region, whose fertile soils and moderate climate proved ideal for agriculture, particularly for grape cultivation.
• Diligence of Immigrants: Italian settlers brought with them not only their culture but also traditions of land cultivation, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship, which laid a solid economic foundation.
• Agrarian Economy: Grape growing and wine production quickly became the hallmark of the region, stimulating trade and economic growth.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Caxias do Sul was formed as an island of Italian culture. The settlers preserved their language (the Talian dialect), culinary traditions, religious festivals, and social structure. The economy was predominantly agrarian, with a focus on family farming. In addition to viticulture, small craft industries developed, which over time grew into large industrial enterprises, making the city one of the metallurgical and industrial centres of Brazil.

Chronology of the History of Caxias do Sul

The history of Caxias do Sul is a chronicle of labour, perseverance, and cultural synthesis. From the arrival of the first settlers to its transformation into one of the leading industrial centres of southern Brazil, the city has undergone an impressive path of development.

• 1875 — The official colonization programme of the region begins, with the arrival of the first waves of Italian immigrants, mainly from the Veneto and Lombardy regions.
• 1890, 20 June — The settlement officially receives municipality status and its modern name — Caxias do Sul.
• 1910, 1 June — Caxias do Sul receives city status (cidade), marking its growing economic and social importance.
• 1910 — The railway arrives in the city, connecting it to Porto Alegre and becoming a powerful stimulus for industrialization and exports.
• 1931 — The famous Grape Festival (Festa da Uva) is held for the first time, becoming a symbol of the city and its viticultural traditions.
• 1954 — As part of the Grape Festival, the National Immigrant Monument is opened, a landmark statue honouring the settlers.
• 1967 — The University of Caxias do Sul (UCS) is founded, becoming the main educational and scientific centre of the region.
• 1972 — The Grape Festival becomes the site of the first colour television broadcast in Brazil's history, highlighting the national significance of the event.
• 2000 — The local football club SER Caxias becomes the champion of the state of Rio Grande do Sul for the first time in its history.

History in Dates: Key Stages of Development of Caxias do Sul

The history of Caxias do Sul is a vivid example of how immigrant perseverance and a fortunate geographical location can turn a small settlement into a thriving industrial centre. The city, known as a piece of Italy in Brazil, has passed through several key stages of formation.

• 1875 — Beginning of Italian Colonization. The Brazilian government initiated a programme to settle southern lands, attracting thousands of immigrants from Italy, mostly from the Veneto and Lombardy regions. They brought with them the culture of grape cultivation and traditions of craftsmanship, laying the economic and cultural foundation of the future city.
• 1890 — Foundation of the Municipality. The settlement, initially known as "Campo dos Bugres", officially received municipality status and its modern name — Caxias do Sul — on 20 June 1890. This day is considered the city's founding date.
• 1910 — Arrival of the Railway. The construction of the railway line connecting the city with the state capital, Porto Alegre, was a powerful boost for industrialization. This simplified the export of wine and other products, accelerating economic growth and turning Caxias do Sul into an important trading hub.
• 1931 — First Grape Festival (Festa da Uva). The famous festival was organized for the first time, eventually becoming the city's main cultural event and a symbol of its agricultural traditions. The celebration attracts tourists from all over the country and the world, celebrating the region's Italian heritage.
• Mid-20th Century — Industrial Boom. The agrarian economy and small craft workshops gradually gave way to large-scale industry. The city transformed into one of the leading metallurgical and engineering centres of Brazil, while maintaining its status as the capital of viticulture.
• 1954 — Opening of the National Immigrant Monument. In honour of the settlers who built the city, a landmark monument was erected, which remains one of the main symbols of Caxias do Sul today. It embodies the gratitude of descendants to the city's founders.

The architectural appearance of Caxias do Sul is a living story of how the humble heritage of Italian immigrants transformed into a monumental urban landscape alongside economic growth. The city's development went hand in hand with its history: from simple stone houses to modern industrial complexes, forming a unique blend of styles and eras.

Immigrant Heritage: Stone and Wood. The initial phase of the city's development in the late 19th century was entirely defined by the traditions of Italian settlers. They brought construction techniques from rural regions of Northern Italy, adapting them to local materials. This style, known as vernacular architecture, is characterized by the use of basalt and wood. Strong and durable basalt stone buildings (Casas de Pedra) became a hallmark of the region. They featured simple forms, thick walls, and small windows. A striking example in the city itself is the Stone House Ambience Museum (Museu Ambiência Casa de Pedra).

Religious Architecture: From Neo-Gothic to Modernism. As the community's prosperity grew, iconic religious structures began to appear in the city. The Cathedral of Saint Teresa (Catedral de Santa Teresa), built in 1899, is a prime example of the Neo-Gothic style, inspired by the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua, Italy, symbolizing the connection to the immigrants' historical homeland. Another iconic structure is the Church of São Pelegrino (Igreja de São Pelegrino), completed in 1953. It represents a transition to more modern forms, but its main value lies within: the famous frescoes by artist Aldo Locatelli and the bronze doors are considered masterpieces of sacred art.

Industrial Modernism and Contemporary Development. The industrial boom in the mid-20th century radically changed the city's appearance. The era of modernism and functionalism replaced traditional buildings. This period is characterized by the construction of multi-storey residential and office buildings, as well as large industrial facilities. Architecture became more concise, with an emphasis on straight lines, concrete, and glass. The campuses of the University of Caxias do Sul (UCS) and the industrial complexes of major companies are striking representatives of this era, defining the modern urban landscape.

Notable Figures of Caxias do Sul

The city of Caxias do Sul, one of the cultural and industrial centres of southern Brazil, has been the birthplace of many talented individuals who have left their mark on history, art, politics, and sports. Here are some of them:

• Percy Vargas de Abreu e Lima — Historian, writer, and journalist. His contribution to the preservation and study of the region's history is so significant that the House of Culture in Caxias do Sul (Casa da Cultura Percy Vargas de Abreu Lima), the city's main cultural centre, is named after him.
• Bruno Segalla (1922–2015) — An outstanding sculptor and medalist. His works, dedicated to history and the labour of immigrants, adorn many of the city's public spaces. Segalla is considered one of the most important artists of the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
• Adelar Bertussi (1933–2017) — Musician, accordionist, and composer. Together with his brother, he founded the duo "Irmãos Bertussi", which became one of the pioneers and symbols of traditional Gaucho music, promoting the region's culture throughout Brazil.
• José Ivo Sartori (born 1948) — An influential politician. He served as Mayor of Caxias do Sul and was later elected Governor of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (2015–2019). His activities have had a significant impact on the modern development of the city and the state.
• Fabrício Carpinejar (born 1972) — One of the most famous contemporary Brazilian poets, chroniclers, and journalists. Winner of numerous literary awards, he is renowned for his unique style and ability to subtly observe the details of everyday life.
• Alex Telles (born 1992) — A world-renowned footballer and left-back. A product of the local club "Juventude", he has built a successful career in top European clubs such as Porto, Manchester United, and Sevilla, and has also played for the Brazilian national team.