Carnival in Uruguay is one of the country's most awaited and celebrated holidays. Unlike the carnival festivities in many other countries which last for a few days, the Uruguayan Carnival is essentially an entire summer season of celebration, spanning over 40 days, typically beginning in late January and extending through mid-March. This makes it the longest carnival event worldwide.
The Uruguayan Carnival has a mix of European and African historical influences. A significant component of the Uruguayan Carnival is Candombe, an African-originated rhythm, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage of humanity. 'Las Llamadas', the most important parade of the carnival, consists of a competitive parade of Candombe groups with a vivid spectacle of drums, dancing, and costumes.
Murga, a form of popular musical theatre, is another major element of the Uruguayan Carnival. Murga groups perform on stages known as 'tablados', set up in Montevideo’s neighborhoods, singing and dancing while they narrate social and political events in a satirical way. In essence, the Carnival in Uruguay is a unique blend of art, music, politics, and a celebration of the country's rich cultural diversity.