Projeto Conhecer para Sustentar: Diário de Bordo

The Itajaí River Valley, also known as the European Valley, is the foremost German region in Brazil. This is where immigrants were granted land parcels and became farmers, while turning their settlements into important towns. The German influence can be noticed throughout the region, from its Fachwerk architecture, cuisine and crafts to typical events such as the Oktoberfest.

With a lesser influence, Italians began to arrive in the region during the latter decades of the XIX century.

The town of Gaspar is among the cities that form the Valley's tourism circuit. Initially settled by St. Vincent clergymen from São Paulo state who searched for natural resources such as timber and gold, today the township bears strong European cultural traits.

Later, between the 18th and 19th centuries, the first German, Azorean and Italian families arrived in the town and boosted its economy, while influencing its physical structure and costumes. Included in the Gaspar tour circuit are specific areas for each community, such as the "Water Route" in the German Belchior borough; "Vila de Itália" in the Italian Gasparinho borough, and the Azorean Centro and Barracão boroughs.

Among Gaspar's natural beauties are the Itajaí Açu River, the waterfalls, and native fauna and flora. The Gaspar economy includes tourism, textiles and agriculture, with an emphasis on rice farming and fisheries. The town is also nationally recognized for the practice of extreme sports such as free flight (para-gliding), rallies, motocross, rappeling, eco-hiking and horse riding.

Colonial buildings are a trademark of the town's architecture. The Apostle St. Peter Church is a postcard image of Gaspar, built in Gothic style with beautiful stained glass windows.

Source: www.gaspar.sc.gov.br e www.sc.gov.br