Pontão’s history can be understood through two key themes: Tropeiro history and gaucho culture. Early settlement connections and later cultural events give both themes a concrete local context.
Tropeiros and the Founding of the Settlement
The name Pontão comes from “Ponta de Mato,” a distinctive geographical landmark for Tropeiros travelling through Rio Grande do Sul in the 18th and 19th centuries. The settlement began to take shape in the early 19th century at the head of Fazenda Sarandy. Its first six or seven houses were an important stopping point for Tropeiros and travellers. The name recalls a landmark along the journey; the first houses mark the beginning of a specific stopping point.
On June 16, 1922, Júlio de Maílhos, Luiz Mourino and José Antônio Lápido donated a 156,250 m² plot of land from the former Fazenda Sarandy. It was intended for the construction of a church and community use in the settlement that became Pontão. In the seat of the Municipality of Pontão, Praça Pádua de Lima is the central square; it is next to Igreja Santo Antão.
Historical Connections and Gaucho Culture
Another historical connection in the Municipality of Pontão is Comunidade Bugre Morto, considered one of the records of Pontão’s origins. It preserves the memory of the region’s history associated with Tropeirismo and the passage of the Bandeirantes.
CTG Recanto dos Tropeiros was founded as an association in 1995 to promote gaucho traditions and sociocultural activities in the Municipality of Pontão. During Semana Farroupilha 2019, held from September 13 to 20, gaucho food and cultural activities were offered there. Participants included local schools, the CTG’s Envernada and guests.
A 2024 report describes the 1º Festival de Cultura de Pontão and the 1ª Mostra Estadual de Curtas Gaúchos do MovCEU. The event, held on November 21 and 22, featured artistic performances, a craft market, exhibitions and film screenings. Jantar do Peixe is also a traditional festival in the Municipality of Pontão. It began in 1999 and reached its 23rd edition after more than two decades; it is considered the main celebratory event of Semana do Município. If you want to plan your trip around a festival, check the latest dates and venue in advance.
The Protected Area in the Municipality of Pontão
Parque Natural Municipal de Sagrisa is located in the Municipality of Pontão and covers 402.2 hectares. The protected area was established in November 1999 by Municipal Law No. 232. It is home to representative animal and plant species of the Araucaria Forest biome. Public visits are not permitted; occasional expeditions by Universidade de Passo Fundo are separate from these. If you are considering a visit, check the current visitor regulations in advance.
Discover more destinations: Engenho Velho, Rio Grande, Encantado, Passo Fundo, Tramandaí, Triunfo, São Gabriel, Santa Cruz Do Sul
For the main travel overview: Rio Grande Do Sul.
