'Carnival' Events

Oregon Woodsmoke from Bend, Oregon, USA - 02/26/08 16:00

Is Carnival the same time every year?

When will carnival be held for 2009?

How does one find the activities? Is there a guide published to tell where the activities are taking place?

What exactly is carnival?

I want to thank you for all the help you are giving me.

Comment #1 Oregon Woodsmoke from Bend, Oregon, USA - 02/27/08 23:48

I'm finding conflicting information. Carnival around the world appears to occur with a relationship to the dates for Lent (which means the dates are different every year). But the web page "Discover Uruguay" claims carnival is always the 1st week in February every year.

I'd like to see Murga, and again conflicting information. Some sources say it is before Carnival, and some sources say it is during Carnival.

Comment #2 Anibal Rodriguez (124.179.83.111) - 06/29/08 05:46

Me interesa saber las fechas del desfile inaugural del Carnaval y el desfile de las llamadas

Comment #3 Anibal Rodriguez (124.179.83.111) - 06/29/08 05:54

La fecha de estos acontecimientos detallados a continuacion:

carnaval 2009 uruguay , carnaval 2009 , uruguay carnival photos

Las llamadas

Comment #4 Mary (63.176.159.223) - 09/28/08 08:36

Does someone have the exact dates for the 2009 Carnival in Montevideo?

Comment #5 Kate Smyth (202.37.206.193) - 11/03/08 21:31

Hi there

Can you please confirm for me the carnival dates in Montevideo/Uruguay in 2009 - was told February but need to reconfirm and what activities are on over the carnival. Thanks very much.

Cheers Kaet

Comment #6 Jeissen (63.176.159.57) - 03/27/09 23:06

I am a big fan of cultural shows and festivities where people from different countries shows their heritage and rich tradition. You can see these through festivals and other related occasions, and that is why me and my friends goes on a traveling spree to experience these traditions and later blogging about it. Hope you can give us the dates onto when and where will these festivities be celebrated? Thanks.

Comment #7 moy (63.176.159.58) - 08/21/09 07:02

The Uruguayan Carnival has been said to be the longest in the world with festivities that go on for an entire month. It does not have much in common with the Brazilian one but rather with the Carnival of Venice.

Murga, a form of popular music theater is usually common to both. It is usually performed by a maximum of 17 people who are mostly men.

Murguistas dress in elaborate, clourful jester-like costumes.

Comment #8 Elaine (1) from Ireland - 08/21/09 08:52

Its great to see so many people excited for Carnaval! I cannot wait for February to roll around again, its such a fun time of year all across the country!

To answer your burning questions...Carnaval (or carnival as some people say it) in Uruguay happens the same time every year, it is not based around lent because Uruguay is a very secular country.

The 2 biggest events are the inauguration parade which is at the beginning of February and then Parade of the calls (desfile de las llamadas) - this is all candombe comparsas (drums). If you're interested in seeing some Murga don't worry, it happens EVERYWHERE all through February, its actually harder to avoid it than to see it!

For more info check out this blog post on Uruguay's Carnaval:

• Carnaval in Uruguay

Comment #9 Proserfina Dantes (63.176.159.176) - 09/01/09 00:47

I would like to watch a video of what is it actually like to be in the streets of carnival in Uruguay? I have seen the blogs and haven't seen a video. A Youtube or any video sharing and hosting website featuring a celebration of the carnival in Uruguay is completely welcomed.

Comment #10 Elaine (1) from Ireland - 09/01/09 08:25

This is a video of "The Parade Of The Calls", my favourite night of Carnaval in Montevideo when the candombe comparsas (drumming groups) march through Barrio Sur and Palermo.

• El Desfile de Las Llamadas

Comment #11 Elaine (1) from Ireland - 09/01/09 08:27

This is another short video of Murga groups singing for the Inaugural Parade of Carnaval in Montevideo

• Murga in Uruguay

Comment #12 Claim Wonders (63.176.159.9) - 10/10/09 22:38

Well if it is like any other carnivals, it is basically the same thing over and over again. Probably some new tricks and laughs but basically it is still the same but that is why people are going to carnivals for some family fun, a little gambling and entertainment.

Comment #13 Gwen (63.176.159.24) - 12/19/09 22:48

I love to watch street dancing on carnivals. the dancers are extremely great. I am well entertained. Those colorful and daring costumes adds up on the beauty of the event. How i wish i could watch a carnival for real and not just on the television. :)

Comment #14 adam (63.176.159.116) - 01/04/10 16:57

I am no expert at Carnival, but it is one of the best things that I have ever experienced in my lifetime.

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