February 16

Uruguay Carnival

Dive into Uruguay's vibrant culture with the world's longest Carnival, full of colorful parades, lively music, and breathtaking performances!

Observed in

Uruguay

Introduction

Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of vibrant color, energetic music, and impressive performances on February 12, as we celebrate the Uruguay Carnival. This event, boasting the title of the world’s longest carnival, has its rich roots sinking all the way back to the early 19th century. With origins extensively influenced by Afro-Uruguayan communities, it has truly fashioned a spectacular fusion of tradition, cultural expression, and merry festivities. Be prepared to witness the lyrical prowess of Murgas troupes, the mesmerizing rhythm of Candombe drums and the stunning spectacle of colorful floats. Dive headfirst into this cultural smorgasbord and unlock a whole new layer of Uruguay's vibrant identity. Let’s have some fun!

Uruguay Carnival Timeline

1808

Uruguay Carnival Beginnings

The tradition of Carnival in Uruguay began during the colonial times when Afro-Uruguayan slaves would celebrate with music and dance.

1914

Introduction of Murgas

The Murga style, a form of theatrical musical performance, was introduced to Uruguay's carnival, adding a distinct local flavour to the celebrations.

1956

First Official Queen of Carnival

The official beauty pageant to elect the "Queen of Carnival" was first held, adding another layer of glamour and excitement to the festivities.

1976

Carnival During Military Rule

Despite the oppressive nature of the military dictatorship at the time, the spirit of the Uruguay Carnival persisted, serving as a form of resistance.

1996

Start of 'Llamadas' Parade

The first 'Llamadas' parade took place, showcasing the rhythm of Candombe, an African drum-based music and dance form prevalent in Uruguay.

2013

Largest Carnival Parade

Uruguay hosted its largest carnival parade, cementing it as the world's longest carnival, a vibrant celebration of culture and joy.

How to Celebrate Uruguay Carnival

1 Make traditional Uruguayan food

Prepare and indulge in traditional Uruguayan dishes such as Chivito (national sandwich), Asado (barbeque), and Empanadas. Sweeten the menu with postres like Chajá cake or Alfajores to have a full-fledged culinary celebration of Uruguay Carnival.

2 Organize a Murga performance

A Murga is a form of popular musical theatre performed during the Uruguay Carnival. You can organize a small-scale Murga performance right in your home! Gather a group of friends or family and create a comedic skit through song and dance inspired by traditional Murga troupes.

3 Make your own carnival mask

Embrace the crafty side of celebrations by making your own carnival mask. Bring out your creativity and design a vibrant, unique mask using feathers, sequins, beads, and any other craft supplies you have at hand.

4 Learn to play Candombe drums

Candombe, a music genre that has roots in African rhythms, plays an essential role in Uruguay's carnival. Learn about the three main types of Candombe drums - Piano, Chico, and Repique and perhaps learn to play a simple beat.

5 Watch Uruguayan carnival videos

If you can't visit Uruguay in person, bring the carnival to your living room! Look for videos of previous years' parades and performances online. You can enjoy the vibrant spectacle all from the comfort of your sofa.

Why We Love Uruguay Carnival

It's a showcase of vibrant culture and tradition

The Uruguay Carnival enables us to experience Uruguay's rich culture, traditions, and history vividly. It serves as a celebration of the country's Afro-Uruguayan roots, offering a glimpse into its heritage through exciting performances, lively music, and spectacular parades.

Opportunity to participate in various activities

The Uruguay Carnival allows us to participate and immerse ourselves in various activities that are both fun and engaging. From making traditional Uruguayan food and organising a Murga performance to crafting our own carnival mask and learning to play Candombe drums, we can actively be a part of the celebration.

An immersion in music and dance

The Uruguay Carnival is known for its vibrant music and dance. Murga troupes entertains with their comedic skits, while the rhythm of Candombe drums brings every heart to life. This musical element adds energy and excitement, making the Carnival a lively and unforgettable experience.