The Tractor Parade of the 35th Festa da Colônia de Gramado took over Borges de Medeiros Avenue on the afternoon of last Sunday (3), marking the debut of an attraction that is already becoming a symbol of appreciation for the municipality’s rural origins. In its first edition, the event brought together more than 50 agricultural machines, highlighting the strength of family farming and the pride of Gramado’s rural producers.

With specially decorated flowerbeds and roundabouts, the city’s main avenue became the stage for a true celebration of tradition and culture, attended by a large audience. The convoy departed from the Expogramado Events Complex, traveled along Borges de Medeiros Avenue to the Rótula das Bandeiras roundabout, and returned to its starting point, celebrating the work and dedication of rural families.

Gramado’s Secretary of Agriculture, Eliézer Nascimento de Lima, highlighted the importance of the initiative. “It is a small demonstration of the strength of our countryside. We have more than a thousand families producing in rural areas. These are the tractors that work every day in the countryside. Today, producers parade proudly along the municipality’s main avenue,” he stated.

The Tractor Parade is thus becoming a celebration of agricultural culture, history, and community, strengthening the connection between countryside and city while reaffirming the pride of being from Gramado.

PROJETO HORTÊNSIA – One of the highlights of the parade was a tractor decorated with the theme of hydrangeas, the symbolic flower of Gramado. The initiative is part of Projeto Hortênsia, which aims to rescue history, strengthen cultural identity, and value the essence of the municipality. The project and the action are being coordinated by Rossi and Zorzanello, who brought the project’s godfathers and godmothers to the parade, along with the charismatic doll Dona Hortênsia, who delighted the audience.

The most emotional moment of the tribute was the presence of Iraci Casagrande, the first queen of the Festa das Hortênsias, held in 1958 and considered Gramado’s first major official event. At 93 years old, Mrs. Iraci participated in the parade, traveling through the city streets and moving the audience as she represented an important chapter of local history. Her presence symbolized the connection between past and present, reinforcing the importance of preserving the traditions that shaped Gramado’s identity.

Starting next Monday (13), Projeto Hortênsia will begin a new stage of activities focused on education and strengthening Gramado’s cultural identity. Nine schools in the municipality will receive visits from the project’s godfathers and godmothers, the initiative’s organizers, and the charismatic Dona Hortênsia.

The activities will be developed with 5th-grade elementary school students and aim to present children with Gramado’s development journey until becoming a national and international tourism reference. The initiative also seeks to inspire a sense of belonging among young people by valuing the traditions, culture, essence, and symbolic flower that are part of the city’s identity.

Through playful and educational meetings, Projeto Hortênsia aims to bring new generations closer to local history, encouraging recognition of Gramado’s roots and the importance of cultural preservation for the municipality’s future.

Text: Fernando Gusen | fernando@rossiezorzanello.com.br
Photos: Marthina Sorgetz/Projeto Hortênsia