Montevideo, Uruguay
The South American capital of Montevideo, Uruguay has numerous parades, dance parties, and street festivals. Stages all around the city host dance and music performances from local talent. The signature rhythm of beating drums fills the streets and has been known to echo in your ears for days after. Street performers, with painted faces, perform acts that are often satirical and somewhat critical of government and society.
Carnival celebrates the abolition of slavery in Uruguay but has grown to include global harvest celebrations as well as social, individual, and collective freedom. It is also connected with Christian celebrations such as Christmas and Holy Week. Carnival has evolved slowly over the years. It has become a celebration of many beliefs and traditions from the various cultures of those who immigrated to the country.