riograndense

RioGrandense, commonly written rio-grandense in Portuguese and sometimes transliterated as Riograndense in English, is a demonym for people from Rio Grande do Sul, the southern state of Brazil. The name derives from the state's full name and uses the suffix -ense to indicate origin or belonging. In English-language texts, the form Riograndense may be used to refer to this group.

Historically, Riograndense identity is associated with the gaúcho culture of the pampas, including cattle herding, horsemanship, and distinctive dress. During the Farroupilha War (Guerra dos Farrapos, 1835–1845), supporters of regional autonomy were called riograndenses, and they established the Riograndense Republic in 1836 with Piratini as its capital until reintegration into Brazil in 1845. The term appears in historical, political, and cultural contexts to describe this regional identity.

In contemporary usage, rio-grandense describes residents of Rio Grande do Sul and, more broadly, things connected with the state’s culture, dialect, cuisine, and institutions. It is often used in regional media and academic discussions to distinguish the state from other Brazilian regions. The associated cultural repertoire, including gaúcho heritage, churrasco, music, and dance, is frequently identified with the rio-grandense identity.

See also: Rio Grande do Sul; Gaúcho; Farroupilha War; Riograndense Republic.