The city of Caxias do Sul, known for its rich cultural and agricultural heritage, is celebrating the opening of the 34th edition of the National Grape Festival. The event, which began this Friday, February 16, is a showcase of the region’s culture, history and traditions. The inauguration ceremony, held the day before at Grape Festival Events Park, was attended by notable political figures and government representatives, including Paulo Teixeira, minister of Agrarian Development and Family Agriculture, Paulo Pimenta, chief minister of the Secretariat of Social Communication, and the governor of Rio Grande do Sul Eduardo Leite. The ceremony was marked by inclusion and accessibility, with interpretation in Libras provided by Move Língua de Sinais.
This year’s event is especially significant, as it marks the beginning of the celebrations of 150 years of Italian immigration in the region, a historic event that shaped the identity and development of Caxias do Sul. Fernando Bertotto, president of the Community Commission for the Festa da Uva de 2024, opened the event by praising the union and collective effort of volunteers, ambassadors and, especially, Queen Lizandra Mello Chinali and princesses Eduarda Ruzzarin Menezes and Letícia de Carvalho. He highlighted the importance of the festival as a symbol of unity and celebration of the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
Adiló Didomenico, mayor of the city, highlighted the importance of the Grape Festival for the cultural and economic scenario of Caxias do Sul. He emphasized the city’s environmental responsibility and the vitality of family farming, highlighting that these elements are fundamental for sustainable development and the preservation of local traditions.
Representing the federal government, Minister Paulo Teixeira paid tribute to the Italian families who settled in the region 150 years ago, contributing significantly to the construction of modern Caxias do Sul. He discussed the climate adversities facing the state and federal investments in the agricultural sector, expressing his continued support for farmers. Eduardo Leite, governor of Rio Grande do Sul, praised the community spirit and resilience of immigrants, seeing them as a source of inspiration to face current and future challenges.
The opening ceremony was followed by a visit to the Agroindustrial Fair facilities, where participants were able to enjoy a variety of stands and exhibits. The day ended with the Scenic Parade, one of the highlights of the Grape Festival, attracting a large audience to Rua Sinimbu, in the center of Caxias do Sul.
This year, the Grape Festival has the theme “Ways and Places”, a tribute to the immigrants who began to populate the region in 1875. The event hopes to attract an estimated audience of 500 thousand people, offering a series of activities that celebrate local culture, including music shows of various genres, Colonial Games, presentations of the show Som & Luz, and gastronomic events such as Saguzaço, Polentaço and Uvada da Nona.
Visitors can also explore themed spaces such as Vila das Cervejas and Vila dos Distritos, in addition to the agro-industrial and multi-sector fairs, which together feature around 400 exhibitors. The Grape Exhibition is another highlight, with a vineyard-shaped space displaying 1,800 bunches of grapes, totaling 600 kg, in addition to the Caxias do Sul Prize Grape Exhibition. During the festival days, around 150 tons of grapes will be distributed to the public.
The Caxias do Sul Grape Festival, an event that celebrates not only the grape harvest, but also the region’s rich cultural tapestry, will continue until March 3rd. With extended opening times during the week and on weekends, it offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the history, gastronomy and culture of the region, strengthening community bonds and local pride.
