Gaucho

Gaucho (Spanish: [ˈɡautʃo]) or Gaúcho (Portuguese: [ɡaˈuʃu]) is the term commonly used for people who live in the south regions of Brazil, mainly in Rio Grande do Sul. It can also be used for people from Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile. They are similar to the North American cowboys, and, like them, gauchos of Argentina have become a symbol of freedom.

Gaucho of Argentina.

Falklanders on horseback in 1936, mounted in typical Falklands style with the usual gaucho horse gear

History

Working with his horse, a laço, boleodoros, and a knife, gauchos rode around the Pampas, killing wild cattle whose hides he sold secretly.^[1] They were usually outlaws, and did not become respectable until they fought with San Martin for Argentine freedom.^[1] After some time, many gauchos began working for hacendados and spent their lives helping huge herds of cattle over the Pampas. They liked to choose where they worked and traveled from place to place.^[1]

Description

Like cowboys, gauchos had a traditional outfit: a big hat, a collared shirt (mainly red), and baggy pants called bombachas,^[1] which were tucked into leather boots. Colorful pieces of cloth or a wide leather belt decorated with silver went around his waist, and silver spurs were on his boots. When working, gauchos often wore a big leather apron.^[1]

Today, though, most gauchos are disappearing. Trucks, roads, and fences are changing gauchos into farmers and assistants. Traditional dress is usually worn only on festival days,^[1] when they can remember their exciting old days.