Gramado

Gramado is a small touristic town in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, in the Serra Gaúcha region. Most of the population of Gramado is of German or Italian descent. Gramado is one of the towns along the scenic route known as Romantic Route.

History

Gramado was originally settled in 1875 by Portuguese immigrants. Five years later, the first German immigrants arrived and these were followed shortly after by Italian immigrants from the Italian settlements in Caxias do Sul.

A railway arrived in Gramado in 1921, boosting the local economy. Gramado officially became a village in 1937, when it was already known as a summer holiday resort. It became a municipality on December 15, 1954.

Geography

The city is in a mountain range, averaging 850 meters above sea level. Gramado has several green areas, the most important are Black Lake, Communications Square, Knorr Park, Orchard Park, Major Nicoletti Square and Roses Square.

Climate

The climate is subtropical or temperate continental. The summers are warm, with temperatures that rarely pass 30ºC (86ºF). Winters are cold, and temperatures can be long periods below 0ºC (32ºF). You may experience temperatures below -10ºC (14ºF), often occur severe frosts and snow.

Culture and Tourism

Gramado hosts the Festival de Gramado, a major South American film festival and Gramado’s most important event. Gramado is also known by hydrangeas blossoming in late spring. Another key event in Gramado is Natal Luz, when Gramado is decked out in lights and wreaths made of recycled material by local residents.