The South: blonde kids, blue eyes and strong accents. Are we really in Brazil? The South is like that. Colonized mainly by German, Italian and Polish immigrants, the South carries in the works and endeavors of its inhabitants a strong European touch.
 
We may say that it is the only region of the country where the seasons are well-defined. The winter is cold, even with occasional flurries of snow in the mountains.
 
In Paraná, in addition to the city of Curitiba, a model of urban planning and of high living standards, we can stand in awe at Iguazu Falls, the spectacle of one of the biggest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world.
 
Santa Catarina is another state that has seen large numbers of European immigrants. In the northeastern valley of Itajaí, one sees how industry has thrived and you can still experience original German cooking. In Florianópolis, capital of Santa Catarina, and along the coast, the unique beaches are sparkling gems. Joaquina is the site of international surf competitions, and Bombinhas is a diver's paradise. Camboriú is probably the most urbanized beach of the South. Santa Catarina is a superb place for trekking, climbing, canyon hiking, boat trips and cultural experiences.
 
In October, the city of Blumenau, in Santa Catarina, attracts joyful tourists from all over the country and even from abroad for the Oktoberfest (better known as The Beer Festival). Pomerode, in Santa Catarina, Gramado and Canela in the mountains of Rio Grande do Sul, look like true Bavarian postcards, with colonial cafés, delicious sausages and German delicatessen. In Rio Grande do Sul, the ruins of São Miguel and around Santo Ângelos are evidence of centuries of Jesuit missions in Brazil. The strong regionalist spirit in the state has preserved a rich folklore in music and dance, and cuisine like churrasco (barbecue) and chimarrão (stimulating tea made from yerba mate).