Brazilian student shares gaucho history, culture

  Wednesday, September 17, 2014 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

There’s a different kind of cowboy in Pittsburg this week.

Pittsburg State University graduate student Fabio Giacomelli, who hails from the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, is celebrating his home and his culture by wearing gaucho attire throughout the week.

“This is an important week (in Rio Grade do Sul),” Giacomelli said. “It goes back to the 1800s when my state fought against Brazil for independence. The actual date is Sept. 20, but we celebrate all week.”

Giacomelli said citizens of his home state pay homage to their history by wearing gaucho clothes during the week. There are parades, Giacomelli said, campouts with music and, of course, lots of Brazilian barbecue.

Giacomelli’s attire this week includes bombacha (hand-sewn, wide-legged trousers), a guaiaca (leather belt with an ornate buckle, a loop for a knife and a place for a pocket watch), boots, and a red kerchief around his neck.

“We are really, really proud of our history,” Giacomelli said.