Gaucho facts for kids
A Gaucho (say "GOW-cho") is a special kind of person, often like a cowboy, who lives in parts of South America. You'll find them mostly in the southern areas of Brazil, especially in a state called Rio Grande do Sul. The name "Gaucho" is also used for people from Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile. They are much like the North American cowboys. In Argentina, Gauchos have become a strong symbol of freedom and independence.
Gauchos: A Look at Their History
Gauchos were skilled riders who worked closely with their horses. They used tools like a laço (a rope for catching animals), boleodoros (ropes with weights to trip animals), and a knife. They rode across the wide, flat grasslands called the Pampas.
In the past, many Gauchos hunted wild cattle. They would sell the animals' hides (skins) secretly. Because of this, they were often seen as outlaws. However, their image changed when they joined forces with General San Martin. They fought bravely for Argentina's freedom.
After some time, many Gauchos started working for large farm owners called hacendados. They spent their lives helping to move huge herds of cattle across the Pampas. Gauchos loved their freedom. They often chose where they worked and enjoyed traveling from one place to another.
What Gauchos Wore
Just like cowboys, Gauchos had a special way of dressing. Their traditional outfit included a big hat and a collared shirt, often red. They wore baggy pants called bombachas, which were tucked into leather boots.
Around their waist, they wore colorful pieces of cloth or a wide leather belt. This belt was often decorated with silver. Silver spurs were attached to their boots. When they were working, Gauchos often wore a large leather apron to protect their clothes.
Today, the traditional Gaucho way of life is slowly changing. Modern things like trucks, new roads, and fences are making Gauchos become more like farmers or farm helpers. The traditional Gaucho clothing is now mostly worn on special festival days. These are times when they can celebrate and remember their exciting history.
Images for kids
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Gaucho from Argentina, photographed in Peru, 1868
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The earliest depiction (before 1820) of an Uruguayan gaucho
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Gaucho soldiers of Juan Manuel de Rosas, sketched by the French artist Durand-Brager, 1846
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Some gauchos flaunted their alpaca sash decorations
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Black gauchos were commonplace in the Brazil-Uruguay borderlands, though rarely publicised. An exception, early 20th century photograph.
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Gaucho reenactment, San Antonio de Areco
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A Semana Farroupilha parade
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A modern rider does sortija
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Gauchos drinking mate and playing the guitar in the Argentine Pampas
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Segundo Ramírez, who inspired Ricardo Güiraldes to write Don Segundo Sombra
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A person in gaucho clothing.
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Argentine Pampas gauchos training for the Esgrima Criolla.
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Un alto en el campo (1861) by Prilidiano Pueyrredón.
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La Posta de San Luis by Juan León Pallière (1858).
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Two gauchos in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1880.
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Folklore dance: Zamba, Argentina. Gaucho.
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Emperor Pedro II of Brazil in typical Gaúcho outfit.
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Gauchos in Corrientes province, Argentina.
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A Gaucho payador.
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Brazilian gaúcho with typical clothing at the 2006 Farroupilha Parade.
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Gauchos in the Federalist Revolution (1893 to 1895).
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Riograndenses dancing in full gaúcho outfit (2012)
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Gaúchos with Criollo horses in Brazil, 2007
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Statue Gaucho Oriental created by Federico Escalada in 1935 and gifted by Uruguay to the people of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil)
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See also
In Spanish: Gaucho para niños
