# São Miguel do Oeste

São Miguel do Oeste is a city of 41,000 people (2020) in Western Santa Catarina. It is often used as a stopover for Argentine, Paraguayan and Chilean tourists on their way to visit Santa Catarina beaches, or by Brazilians on their way to the Iguaçu Falls.

## Understand

São Miguel do Oeste was founded in 1954. Its population is mostly Gaucho, descendants of Italians and Germans.
São Miguel do Oeste has many industrial establishments, most of which are small. In addition to industry, civil construction and commerce are important sources of income. São Miguel do Oeste also stands out in family farming, and cattle and chicken raising. Tobacco planting is a highlight of regional agriculture.

## Get in

To get to São Miguel do Oeste from the coast or from Argentina , use the BR-282, while those coming from Paraná can use the BR-163. The SC-386 is used for those coming from Rio Grande do Sul, and has its route under the BR-163, which goes to Tenente Portela/RS.

## See

* Igreja São Miguel Arcanjo. It draws attention for being larger in cities like Chapecó and Lages.
* São Miguel do Oeste is at a strategic point in relation to several tourist attractions, such as the Iguaçu Falls and the Missões Region. The city is 60 km from Salto do Yucumã, the largest longitudinal jump on the planet, and from the Prestes Column, portrayed in the São Jorge Rural Museu in the city of Guaraciaba, 15 km away. Ecotourism lovers have several leisure options and can also count on companies specialized in the subject. São Miguel do Oeste has the best hotel, gastronomic, tourism and leisure infrastructure in the entire region.
* Statue of Desbravador, monument in honor of all the people who pioneered the region, which at the time was covered with dense forest. The statue is made of iron, recalling the will power of the entire colonizing people. The statue is by Paulo de Siqueira, and is located at Praça Walnir Bottaro Daniel, which is another tourist spot in the city. It has native trees, a playground, a fountain, a stand for celebrations and parties in the municipality. In the heart of the square, there is a tribute and a bust of Walnir Bottaro Daniel, former mayor of the city.
* CTG Porteira Aberta, founded in 1959, is the oldest Centro de Tradições Gaúchas in the state. Its facilities are located in the city center and carry out works such as dancing and singing. In addition to its head office, CTG has two campuses with a complex ready for rodeos. One on the edge of the BR-282, towards Paraíso, and the other on the Parque de Exposições, on the edge of the SC-386.

## Do

The Motocão (International Motorcyclists Meeting), takes place every year, and brings motorcyclists from all over Brazil and from other Argentina, Paraguay, Chile and Uruguay. It takes place in downtown Miguel-Oestino, near the central square.
The Watermelon Fair, Terneira Fair, Grape Fair and Fermuser (Regional Sertaneja Music Festival) are events that usually take place in March, and are held at the Irineu Gransotto Exhibition Park.
The São Miguel Tchê, a Gaucho rodeo event, is one of the biggest events in the city. São Miguel Tchê is organized by the CTG (Gaúcha Traditions Center) Porteira Aberta. The main attractions are usually the Tie Tests, and the riders. It is usually held at the beginning of the year.
The Municipality's Anniversary, celebrated on February 15th, always has a special program. The date is a municipal holiday, and the Miguel-Oestina city hall usually produces a giant cake. In addition to special sales promotions, free concerts are produced, and toys are installed for children to play.
The Festa do Patroeiro, on the 29th of September, is a municipal holiday. The city's Patron is Saint Michael the Archangel, considered by the Catholic Church to be the head of the heavenly armies and the universal patron of the religion. He is also the angel of repentance and justice, and responsible for delivering people from the devil. In São Miguel do Oeste, every year a special program is organized by the Catholic Church in commemoration of the patron saint. The party usually includes a get-together lunch in the church hall and a special mass.
The Street Carnival offers free concerts, and a parade of adult and children's carnival blocks along Rua Duque de Caxias. It is one of the main carnivals in the West.