Erechim

Erechim is a city in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in the South Region of Brazil. It is an important center for the Alto Uruguai region. Many people live there.

The city was planned carefully, like some famous cities such as Washington, D.C., Paris, Buenos Aires, and Belo Horizonte. Erechim has wide streets and a clear layout, making it easy to get around. It is also strong in the economy.

Etymology

Erechim was named "Erexim" when it became a municipality on April 30, 1918. The name comes from the Kaingang language and means "small field." It probably refers to old forests in the area. Though it had other names like Paiol Grande and Boa Vista, "Erechim" is the name that stayed.

According to Portuguese language rules from 1943, the name should be spelled "Erexim." But the city uses "ch" in its official name, which you can see on signs and documents. In 1968, during celebrations for the city’s 50th anniversary, someone called Erechim the "Capital of Friendship." This name stuck because of how friendly different groups of people live together there.

Kaingang language

orthographic rules

Portuguese language

Orthographic Agreement of 1943

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History

Origins

People have lived in the Alto Uruguai region, where Erechim is located, for at least 10,000 years. For centuries, the area was home to indigenous Kaingang peoples, with some Guarani groups living in lower areas.

The first settlers arrived after receiving land from the government. They built their homes near rivers. In 1887, explorers mapped the area and reported back to local leaders.

Pioneerism and Immigration

The area grew when many immigrants arrived. People from Poland, Germany, Italy, and Jewish backgrounds came to Erechim, starting around 1910. These immigrants helped shape the city's culture and way of life. By 1910, the area had about 50 wooden houses and many new shops. The Italian families had a big impact on the city's architecture and food.

Administrative formation

As the town and its economy grew, Erechim became an official municipality in 1918. It started with five areas, and over time, more areas were added. By 1996, some areas became their own towns, leaving Erechim with three main areas.

Urban growth

After becoming a municipality, leaders planned the city layout. The city grew quickly, with many wooden buildings built along the main street. Over time, leaders made improvements to streets and public spaces.

Recent history

Erechim grew and became part of a larger group of nearby towns called the Erechim Microregion, which includes 30 other towns. This area is known for its growth and development.

In 2004, a sad event happened when a bus carrying students had an accident. The community came together to support each other during this difficult time.

Geography

Erechim is in the Alto Uruguai region, between the Uruguay River and the Ijuí River. It is close to towns like Aratiba, Três Arroios, and the state capital, Porto Alegre. The area has many small rivers and streams, and the ground is mostly basalt.

Erechim has a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and cool winters. It rains all year, and frost can occur in winter. Snow sometimes falls, but it is very rare. The land has a mix of forest and open fields, including many Brazilian pine trees.

Demography

In 2020, Erechim had about 106,633 people, making it the 19th biggest city in its state. Most people lived in the city area, with only a few in the countryside. The city has a high Human Development Index, meaning people there generally live healthy and educated lives.

Erechim has many different religions. Most people are Catholics, but there are also many Protestant groups and other religions, showing the city's diverse culture. The city is also home to a Jewish community that plays an important role in the area.

Politics and justice

Erechim’s first mayor was Amintas Maciel, chosen on December 9, 1930. In 2016, Luiz Francisco Schmidt won the election.

The city has a group of elected leaders called the municipal chamber. They help make important decisions for the town. These leaders come from different groups and work together to create laws and plans for the community.

Subdivisions

Erechim began as one area named the Seat, created in 1918. Today, it has three main districts: Capo-Erê, Jaguaretê, and Seat. The latest change was in 1996 when Paulo Bento became its own city.

Near the city center are many neighborhoods where most people live, like Bela Vista and Linho. These areas often have families with middle or higher incomes. Further out, neighborhoods such as Aeroporto and Atlântico usually have families with lower incomes.

Economy

Erechim’s economy was about R$4 billion in 2014. Each person had about R$40,000 from the economy.

Farming is smaller but still important. In 2008, Erechim had cattle, pigs, and poultry. It produced milk, eggs, honey, and wool. Common crops were corn, soybean, and wheat.

Industry is the largest part of the economy. It added over R$500 million. About 700 businesses employ many people, especially in the Industrial District started in 1978. The metalworking industry has grown quickly.

Services also help the economy. They added nearly R$1 billion. Many shops and businesses employ thousands of workers. Tourism is growing too.

Education

Erechim has its own federal university called the Federal University of Fronteira Sul. This university helps everyone, including people from different backgrounds, and does important research. The city also has schools from other universities, like the Rio Grande do Sul State University and the Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Sul. These schools offer many different courses for students.

The Federal University of Fronteira Sul is one of the best universities in its area and one of the top schools in the whole state of Rio Grande do Sul. In 2008, Erechim had many students, teachers, and schools, both public and private. The city works to make sure all its schools offer good education to everyone.

Urban infrastructure

Erechim has strong infrastructure. In 2000, the city had almost 27,000 homes, including apartments and houses. Most of these homes were owned. The city provides clean water, electricity, waste collection, and phone services.

The city focuses on education, healthcare, and reducing poverty. Erechim does well in education but has fewer healthcare services than other parts of the state. The city has many healthcare centers and hospitals, including a main hospital.

Erechim also has an airport, public buses, and roads for cars. The airport plans to grow, and bus fares are set at a standard rate. The city has many places to get electricity and internet, with several newspapers, radio stations, and television channels available.

Culture and leisure

Tourism

Erechim has many places to visit, such as museums and important buildings. One famous spot is the São José Cathedral, the city’s only cathedral, built between 1969 and 1977. Another place is the Cultural Hub, used for big meetings and has a restaurant and a room for performances. The Popular Market, which started in 2005, is where local sellers can shop and sell goods.

Other popular places to see in Erechim include Longines Malinowski Park, a big green space. There is also Castelinho, an old wooden building that is a symbol of the city. The 25 de Julho Cultural Center is a large place for shows and performances. Vale Dourado is a favorite spot for fun activities, and Praça da Bandeira is the main landmark with a tall flagpole.

Architecture

Erechim has many different styles of buildings, especially in the center of the city. One common style is called Art Deco, which uses simple shapes and lines. This style started in Paris in 1925 and became popular for its clean look. Erechim was planned like some famous cities, with wide streets and special designs.

Traditions, arts, and events

Theater and movies are important in Erechim. The city holds many cultural events throughout the year, and it is known for its amateur theater. The 25 de Julho Cultural Center is a main place for these activities. There are also music events, and the city supports local artists, including schoolchildren. Erechim is famous for its crafts and special foods, like pies and bonbons, which are sold at markets and fairs. The city also has a big fair called Frinape.

Sports

Football is a very popular sport in Erechim, and the main team is Ypiranga Futebol Clube. They play at the Estádio Olímpico Colosso da Lagoa, a big stadium. The city is also good at athletics, with a club that organizes many running events. Erechim holds a big school sports event called the Erechim City School Olympics, where students compete in many different sports. There is also a big rally race called the Rally de Erechim that happens every year.

Holidays

Erechim has several important days to celebrate, including public holidays and national holidays. Some of these days include Ragamuffin War Day and All Souls’ Day.