Uruguay: Culture and Traditions

Culture of Uruguay

Discover the culture of Uruguay and what to expect on your vacation.

Uruguay may share many cultural traditions with neighboring Argentina, but there are some unique elements that set it apart. A history of Portuguese and Spanish colonization, the presence of African slaves, and European immigration, have created a strong cultural heritage unique to this small nation.

Candombe, now a UNESCO-recognized World Cultural Heritage, is a music and dance style with African roots. Candombe features distinctive drumming and dancing and is believed to be one of the first foundations of the tango. The Carnival is also very important in Uruguay culture and is another example of how African slave traditions have blended with Portuguese and Spanish colonialism.

Our Uruguay tours take you to Montevideo which, together with Buenos Aires, is considered the birthplace of milonga (music) and tango (dance). In fact, the famous Argentine tango singer Carlos Gardel was actually born in Uruguay, although this is hotly debated by Argentine and Uruguayan tango aficionados.

The gaucho, a rugged cowboy, is an important cultural figure in Uruguay, similar to the iconic cowboys in the US. Uruguayans are also fútbol (soccer) fanatics. The first World Cup was held in 1930 in Montevideo and Uruguay defeated Argentina to become the first World Cup champions in history – a matter of great national pride!

Uruguayans are laid back, warm, friendly and family-oriented. The rhythm of life in Uruguay, even in the capital city Montevideo, is very small town-esque and relaxed. It is no wonder Uruguay vacations are popular with so many South American jet-setters!