Discovery Series – Porto Alegre

The Starbucks Discovery Series Porto Alegre mug highlights the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, a city shaped by its location on the Guaíba, strong gaúcho traditions, European immigration, football, and a distinctive connection with parks and outdoor life. Porto Alegre was officially founded in 1772 and grew from a small settlement into one of southern Brazil’s major urban centers. Its identity is closely tied to the wider culture of Rio Grande do Sul, especially traditions such as chimarrão, churrasco, regional dress, and music.

Here are some of the landmarks, foods, traditions, and symbols featured in the design:

– The Estátua do Laçador is one of Porto Alegre’s most important symbols. Created by sculptor Antônio Caringi and inaugurated in 1958, the bronze statue depicts a traditionally dressed gaúcho holding a lasso and was modelled on folklorist Paixão Côrtes. It was officially declared a symbol of Porto Alegre in 1992 and today stands at the Sítio do Laçador near the airport.

– The large cup of chimarrão reflects one of the traditions most closely associated with Rio Grande do Sul. Yerba mate is prepared in a gourd and drunk through a metal straw called a bomba, often passed around among friends and family. In Porto Alegre, chimarrão is a familiar sight in parks, public squares, and along the waterfront.

– Churrasco is another essential part of gaúcho culture. Beef is traditionally grilled over fire or hot coals and served simply, allowing the flavour of the meat to remain central. Porto Alegre has embraced this tradition so strongly that the city promotes itself as a world capital of churrasco and hosts events dedicated to the regional barbecue culture.

– The tree-covered street appears to be Rua Gonçalo de Carvalho, famous for the dense canopy formed by mature tipuana trees. Their branches meet above the road, creating a remarkable green tunnel in the middle of the city. The street has become one of Porto Alegre’s most distinctive urban landscapes and is recognized as part of the city’s environmental heritage.

– The windmill is connected with Parque Moinhos de Vento, commonly known as Parcão. The park contains a replica of an Azorean windmill similar to those once found in the neighbourhood, whose name literally means “Windmills.” Today, Parcão is one of Porto Alegre’s popular places for walking, running, relaxing, and, naturally, drinking chimarrão.

– The buildings around the waterfront recall Porto Alegre’s historic center, where landmarks such as the Mercado Público, old municipal buildings, cultural institutions, and former port facilities reflect the city’s long commercial history. The Mercado Público itself dates to 1869 and remains an important place for regional foods, erva-mate, fresh produce, meat, seafood, and traditional businesses.

– Football (soccer) is deeply rooted in Porto Alegre, home to two of Brazil’s major clubs, Grêmio and Internacional. Their rivalry, known as the Gre-Nal, is one of the most famous in Brazilian football, and the sport remains a major part of the city’s identity.

– The traditional clothing shown on the front recalls gaúcho culture, especially the bombacha trousers, boots, scarves, and other clothing associated with the rural traditions of Rio Grande do Sul. These traditions are celebrated particularly strongly during the annual Farroupilha festivities, when music, food, horsemanship, and traditional dress become especially visible throughout Porto Alegre.

– The colourful bird appears to be a quero-quero, a bird commonly seen across southern Brazil and especially familiar in the open fields and parks of Rio Grande do Sul. Its loud calls and territorial behaviour make it easy to notice, and it has become a familiar part of the region’s everyday landscape.