Mato Grosso do Sul

Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) is a state in western Brazil, in the Centro-Oeste region. 

Capital — Campo Grande (approximately 900,000 inhabitants, largest city) Area — Approximately 357,000 km² (roughly the size of Germany) History — Until 1977, it was part of Mato Grosso; on January 1, 1979, it became a separate state. 

It is known for its immense natural wealth: The southern part of the world-famous Pantanal (the largest wetland in the world, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) with an abundance of wildlife (caimans, capybaras, jaguars, and hundreds of bird species). 

The tourist region of Bonito with crystal-clear rivers, caves (including the Gruta do Lago Azul), waterfalls, and snorkeling/kayaking. 

The economy revolves primarily around: Agribusiness—soy, corn, sugarcane, and cattle ranching (one of Brazil's largest beef producers). 

Services and tourism (ecotourism is growing rapidly). 

The climate is warm to hot and humid, with significant rainfall in summer. 

It borders Paraguay and Bolivia (plus five Brazilian states). 

In short: a sparsely populated, flat state with vast natural areas (Pantanal and Bonito), strong agriculture, and relatively few cities—ideal for those who enjoy wildlife, ecotourism, and tranquility.

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Paraná

Paraná is one of Brazil's 26 states, located in the south. 

Capital: Curitiba (known for its sustainable urban planning). 

Borders: Atlantic Ocean (east), São Paulo (north), Santa Catarina (south), Paraguay, and Argentina (west/southwest). 

Known for: Iguaçu Falls (a World Heritage Site), Itaipu Dam, araucaria forests, subtropical climate, and agriculture (soy, coffee, sugarcane). 

Population: diverse (many European immigrants, including Poles, Ukrainians, and Dutch in colonies like Castrolanda).

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Sallandse Bottermarkt

The Sallandse Bottermarkt is a folkloric market in Raalte (Overijssel) that has existed since 1967 and is on the national list of Intangible Heritage. 

Every Wednesday in July and August (from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM), people in traditional Sallandse costumes demonstrate old farming crafts at the Plaskerk (Doktersweggetje/Raalte town center). 

Think of: butter churning (the heart of the market), clog making, spinning, basket weaving, lace making, cheese making, and more. 

You can taste and buy: fresh farm butter, kruudmoes (a classic Sallands regional dish), buttermilk, currant loaf, oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts), etc. 

It attracts many tourists and locals and is often combined with the regular market for goods and regional products.

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Santa Catarina

Santa Catarina is a state in southern Brazil, situated between Paraná (north), Rio Grande do Sul (south), the Atlantic Ocean (east), and Argentina (west). 

Capital: Florianópolis (Floripa), located on the beautiful island of Santa Catarina with dozens of beaches. The largest city is Joinville. 

Strong European influences (especially German and Italian) due to immigration in the 19th and 20th centuries → Oktoberfest in Blumenau, German architecture, pork and poultry cuisine. 

One of the best qualities of life in Brazil: highest life expectancy, lowest murder rates, poverty and inequality, third-highest HDI and GDP per capita. 

Economy: Strong industrialization (textiles, metals, technology, timber), major producer of pork, poultry, oysters, and apples. 

Landscape: Beautiful coastline with beaches (surfing in Joaquina, Praia do Rosa), mountainous interior with canyons, waterfalls, and sometimes even snow in the highlands (Urubici, São Joaquim). 

In short: a safe, prosperous, green state with beaches, mountains, a European atmosphere, and an excellent quality of life – very popular with Brazilians and foreign tourists/digital nomads.

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Giethoorn Gondola Parade

The Giethoorn Gondola Parade is an annual highlight in the famous water village of Giethoorn. 

Every last Saturday in August, a magical evening boat parade sails through the long village canal.

Highlights: Beautifully decorated and illuminated "gondolas" (creative structures on boats or rafts) with various themes. 

A children's gondola and usually 12–15 main gondolas.

Often preceded by musical boats, marching bands, and a punt parade. 

The gondolas are propelled silently (often by punt poles or electric motors) by the many low bridges. Thousands of spectators watch from the banks, bridges, and terraces. 

The entire village is illuminated for extra ambiance (gardens, bridges, thatched houses). 

It's a fairytale-like, enchanting parade on the water that has existed since the early 20th century (originally as a children's event) and is now a major cultural event. 

Be on time, as it draws large crowds and parking can be challenging! 

A unique Giethoorn tradition that makes the village extra magical in the evening.

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Rio Grande do Sul

Here is a brief summary of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil's southernmost state, as of the end of December 2025: 

Background: RS is an agricultural and industrial state (cattle ranching, soy, wine, machinery) with its capital Porto Alegre. 

Population: ≈ ​​11 million. 

Culture strongly influenced by European immigration (German, Italian, Polish) and gaúcho traditions.

Major event 2024–2025: 

The historic floods of May 2024 (extreme storms caused by climate change) were the worst disaster in the state's history.

→ Approximately 180 deaths, hundreds of thousands of displaced people, and enormous damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and cities (especially Vale do Taquari and Porto Alegre). Current situation (December 2025) 

Recovery: Roads, bridges, and mobility largely restored in record time (with federal support), but the reconstruction of homes and the economy is slow and uneven. 

Another extreme weather event: 2025 will see severe drought (La Niña effect) and, at the same time, intense storms. 

Recently (December 2025), warnings and damage due to heavy rain, winds over 90 km/h, fallen trees, flooded streets, and destelhamentos in several cities (including Porto Alegre, Rio Pardo, and Piratini). Politics/governance: Governor Eduardo Leite continues to focus on climate adaptation, security, and economic recovery. 

There is criticism of the slow pace of prevention and federal support. 

In short: RS is still trying to fully recover from the 2024 disaster, while in 2025 it will again face fluctuating extremes (from drought to storms). 

The state remains vulnerable to climate change.

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Weir Fishing

Weir fishing is a centuries-old, traditional fishing method (primarily for anchovies) that still exists in the eastern part of the Oosterschelde (near Bergen op Zoom / Tholen). 

How does it work in a nutshell? 

Long V-shaped wooden structures (weirs) are driven into the seabed: two rows of stakes (vleuken) measuring 800–1000 meters long, ending in a point (trap/weir chamber). 

At high tide, the anchovy swims into the shallow, warmer water in search of spawning grounds. 

At low tide, the fish tries to return to deeper water; it is guided by the V and becomes trapped in the trap. At low tide (usually wading on foot), the fishermen drive the fish into the trap with a drift net and catch them. 

Characteristics 

Very labor-intensive (manual, few machines). 

Season: mainly May–July. 

There used to be dozens of weirs, now only two or three (the Van Dort family is the last commercial fisherman). 

Supported by the Weir Fisheries Preservation Foundation (tourist boat trips, education). 

Unique in the Netherlands and a nearly extinct craft!

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São Paulo

São Paulo is Brazil's most populous and economically powerful state, located in the southeast. 

Capital: São Paulo (the largest city in South America and the country's financial and commercial heart). Economy: By far the strongest in Brazil (approximately 30% of Brazil's GDP). 

Largest industrial center, leader in technology, research, universities, sugarcane, ethanol, orange juice, and agribusiness. 

Often called the "locomotive of Brazil." 

History: Began with coffee plantations in the 19th century → massive immigration (Italians, Portuguese, Japanese, Arabs, etc.) → industrialization from the early 20th century. 

Geography: Borders Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Paraná, Mato Grosso do Sul, and the Atlantic Ocean. 

Boasting a coast, mountains (Serra do Mar, Mantiqueira), and plateaus. 

645 municipalities. 

Culture & society: Highly urbanized (highest degree of urbanization), diverse population, cultural center with top museums, theaters, and events. Known for its hard-working mentality ("paulistas"). 

In short: Brazil's economic engine, population, and innovation center, with a massive metropolis at its heart.

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The Genuine Dalfser Mop Tradition

The Genuine Dalfser Mop Tradition is a centuries-old culinary tradition from Dalfsen (Overijssel), recognized as Dutch intangible heritage since 2018. 

Origin: Around 1784, the cookie was accidentally created by baker Gerrit Frijling. 

What was supposed to be a failed soft cookie, due to a baking error, became a hard, flavorful, spicy shortbread (somewhat resembling speculaas, but unique due to a secret recipe with butter and herbs). Name: "Oprechte" (True) was added because other bakers (including those in Zwolle and Deventer) tried to copy it but failed → only the true Dalfsen bakers were allowed to bear the name.

Tradition today: Baking according to a secret recipe (now at Bakkerij Van der Most, since 2011). 

Buying and giving the "moppen" as a gift when visiting (a classic regional gesture). 

Passing on knowledge to young bakers to keep the tradition alive. 

In short: a typical Dalfsen regional product that is not only a delicacy, but also forms a social and cultural tradition centered on hospitality and local pride.

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Minas Gerais

Minas Gerais is a large state in southeastern Brazil (between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro). 

The name literally means "general mines," referring to the historic gold and diamond rush of the 18th century. 

Capital: Belo Horizonte (approximately 2.5–3 million inhabitants, with a metropolitan area of ​​approximately 6 million). 

Population: Brazil's second most populous state (approximately 21 million inhabitants). 

Area: Fourth largest state (approximately 588,000 km², larger than France). 

Economy: Still heavily focused on mining (iron ore, gold, lithium, gemstones), but also a major producer of coffee (more than half of Brazil), beef, dairy, steel, and industry. 

History & Culture: Famous for its colonial Baroque cities (UNESCO World Heritage sites) such as Ouro Preto, Diamantina, Tiradentes, São João del Rei, and Congonhas (with sculptures by Aleijadinho). Tourism: Colonial architecture, mountains, waterfalls, caves, ecotourism, and typical miner's cuisine (pão de queijo, tutu de feijão, queijo minas, cachaça). 

Special: Landlocked (no coastline), hilly/plateau landscape, and numerous municipalities (853 – a record number in Brazil). 

In short: a state steeped in history, Baroque gems, mining, coffee, and delicious food – often called the cultural "heart" of Brazil.

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