The Great Polenta Tradition in Southern Brazil

Friulian emigrants in South America share many bonds. Among them, polenta undoubtedly holds a special place: a symbol of Friulian gastronomy brought to this continent in past centuries.

"Polenta has played a mystical role in the history of our communities," says Argel Rigo, coordinator of the Friulian organizations in Brazil. "This dish arrived in the country with Italian families during the second half of the nineteenth century. For a long time it was practically the only dish in the homes of these families, both at midday and in the evening."

Beyond the economic aspect, the dish also held great importance for what it meant to be together and to gather around the hearth during its long preparation. Today polenta has a very different meaning and has been given new value, being offered even in restaurants and celebrated at popular festivals such as the "Polentaço" of Monte Belo do Sul.