Bagre Fagundes, symbol of Rio Grande do Sul culture, dies at the age of 86 Commotion and tributes spread across social media on Sunday night (2) following the announcement of the death of the traditionalist Bagre Fagundes, one of the main representatives of the culture of Rio Grande do Sul, at the age of 86. Alongside his brother Nico Fagundes, he composed "Canto Alegretense", one of the state's most emblematic songs. Euclides Fagundes Filho was born in Uruguaiana, on the Western Border, on October 3, 1939. He gained the nickname "Bagre" as a teenager and adopted it throughout his life. ? Access the g1 RS channel on WhatsApp He will be held at the Salão Negrinho do Pastoreio, at Palácio Piratini, in Porto Alegre, from 10 am this Monday (3). Closing is scheduled for 4pm. Information about the burial had not been released until the last update of this report. Authorities, musicians and entities issued notes of condolence and paid tribute to the traditionalist. "Folklorist, composer, singer and instrumentalist, Bagre dedicated his life to preserving and spreading Gaucho traditions, offering an invaluable contribution to the identity and memory of our State", highlighted Governor Eduardo Leite. Colorado, Bagre was remembered by Internacional, who dedicated this Sunday's victory to him. "Adviser of Clube do Povo between 2001 and 2012, Bagre will always be remembered for his contribution to the culture of our state and his passion for Inter. " "I will forever keep the image of him with his harmonica in his hands, carrying music wherever he went. He was a talent that enchanted Rio Grande, but which, for us, was part of the family's most affectionate memories", said his niece, Mocita Fagundes. The Gaúcho Traditionalist Movement mourned the singer’s death. "His trajectory, his work and his contribution will remain alive in the memory and culture of Rio Grande do Sul." The group Os Serranos, who re-recorded "Canto Alegretense", also paid tribute to the musician: "Today we say goodbye to an artist, but we celebrate a legacy that will remain alive in every chord, in every verse and in every gaucho who continues to sing our identity." The duo César Oliveira and Rogério Melo provided support to the family members. "May Patrão Velho comfort everyone and this great support find the light and well-deserved rest." Bagre Fagundes received the Origens Trophy in 2019, at Galpão Crioulo Who was Bagre Fagundes Throughout his career, Bagre Fagundes built a diverse career path. In addition to being a musician, he was a lawyer graduated from the University of Cruz Alta, a councilor in Alegrete, a football player and referee. He also presided over the Gaúcho Institute of Tradition and Folklore (IGTF) and served as a columnist for the newspaper Diário Gaúcho. Music, however, was his greatest calling. The "Canto Alegretense" became a symbol of regional pride and projected the artist's name beyond the borders of Rio Grande do Sul. Bagre Fagundes was married to Marlene Vilaverde, with whom he had four children. The artist maintained an active routine and continued on the road. He performed alongside his sons Ernesto, Neto and Paulinho, with whom he formed the group Os Fagundes, transforming the stage into a space for family and cultural coexistence. Known for his good humor, Bagre used to talk about his own career with irony. When he turned 80, he said he still hadn't achieved his goal: "to do nothing." The phrase, repeated in interviews, summarized the light way in which he approached life and work. Recognition came in life. In 2019, the musician received a tribute from RBS TV with a special program for his 80th birthday. On the occasion, he was awarded the Origins Trophy, awarded to highlights of regional culture, in a moment of emotion and celebration. Emílio Pedroso/RBS Agency Bagre Fagundes dies at age 86 VIDEOS: Everything about RS