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 and is the second most crowded city in the northern part of Rio Grande do Sul, with about 105,705 people living there in 2022.

The city is known for being one of Brazil’s earliest planned modern cities. Its design was inspired by famous cities like Washington, D.C., Paris, Buenos Aires, and Belo Horizonte. Erechim has wide streets and a clear layout, making it easy to navigate. In 2015, it was also one of the top cities in the state for economic strength.

Etymology

Erechim was named "Erexim" when it became a municipality on April 30, 1918. This name comes from the Kaingang language and means "small field." It probably refers to the forests that were there long ago. Though it was known by other names like Paiol Grande and Boa Vista, "Erechim" is the name that stayed.

According to Portuguese language rules from 1943, the name should really be spelled "Erexim." But the city’s official name uses "ch," 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 the friendly way different groups of people live together there.

Kaingang language

orthographic rules

Portuguese language

Orthographic Agreement of 1943

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History

Origins

Studies show that 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 often had difficult times with the Kaingang people. These settlers 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, in particular, 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. They used ideas from other famous cities. 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.

Unfortunately, a sad event happened in 2004 when a bus carrying students fell into a dam. Many young people sadly lost their lives, and the community came together to support each other during this difficult time.

Geography

Erechim is found in the Alto Uruguai region, between the Uruguay River and the Ijuí River. It is near several other towns such as Aratiba, Três Arroios, and Porto Alegre, the state capital. The area has many small rivers and streams, and the ground is made mostly of basalt.

Erechim has a humid subtropical climate, meaning it has warm summers and cool winters. Rain falls throughout the year, and frost can happen in winter. Occasionally, snow has fallen here, though it is very rare. The area is covered with 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 small number 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 with just a little more than half of the votes.

The city has a group of elected leaders called the municipal chamber who 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 started as a single area called the Seat, which was created in 1918. Today, it has three main districts: Capo-Erê, Jaguaretê, and Seat. The most recent change happened in 1996 when Paulo Bento became its own city.

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

Economy

Erechim’s economy was worth about R$4 billion in 2014. Each person in the city had an average share of about R$40,000 from the economy.

The city’s farming plays a smaller role but still matters. In 2008, Erechim had many animals like cattle, pigs, and poultry, and produced milk, eggs, honey, and wool. Common crops included corn, soybean, and wheat.

Industry is the biggest part of Erechim’s economy, adding over R$500 million to the city’s total. Around 700 businesses employ many people, especially in the Industrial District started in 1978. The metalworking industry has grown quickly, helping the city grow faster than average.

Services also play a big role, adding nearly R$1 billion to the economy. Many shops and businesses employ thousands of workers. Tourism is also growing as a way for the city to earn more money.

Education

Erechim has its own federal university called the Federal University of Fronteira Sul. This university is well-known for helping everyone, including those from different backgrounds, and for doing 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 to choose from.

The Federal University of Fronteira Sul is one of the best universities in its area. It is also 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 is working 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, with many fully paid for. 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 ranks lower in healthcare across the state. The city has many healthcare centers and hospitals, including a main hospital with special centers for treating illnesses.

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 popular 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 in a special style called Baroque. Another place is the Cultural Hub, which is used for big meetings and also has a restaurant and a big 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 with special trees. 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 and other interesting features.

Architecture

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

Traditions, arts, and events

Theater and movies are very 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 four public holidays and eight national holidays. Some of these days include Ragamuffin War Day and All Souls’ Day.