another immigration boom to this region started in 1875. communities with italian immigrants were also created in southern brazil. the first colonies to be populated by italians were created in the highlands of rio grande do sul (serra gaúcha). these were garibaldi and bento gonçalves. these immigrants were predominantly from veneto, in northern italy. after five years, in 1880, the great numbers of italian immigrants arriving caused the brazilian government to create another italian colony, caxias do sul. after initially settling in the government-promoted colonies, many of the italian immigrants spread themselves into other areas of rio grande do sul seeking further opportunities.