Attend the Carnaval

Carnaval is celebrated around the world, but no one celebrates it like Uruguay. From the end of January to late February, visitors can attend costume parades, satirical comedies and contests for artists at the Carnaval. Montevideo is the best place to watch all the action as it hosts maximum parades, biggest drums and incredible activities. The Llamadas is a two-night parade that is one of the highlights of the Carnaval, besides the tablado shows. The Llamadas represent a time when the former slaves would call upon their neighbours to join them in a gathering, by drumming. It was at these gatherings that ritual and spiritual practices were practiced as well as living conditions were talked about. When it was time to celebrate, these former slaves would take the party outside and thus the Carnaval was born. Carnaval preparations begin months in advance when zonal queens are elected as part of the queen contest. What you see will depend on when you go, but nonetheless, you won’t be disappointed at all.