20 notable festivals in Uruguay that cover music, arts, food, and sports:
Music Festivals:
- Punta Rock – An annual rock music festival held in Punta del Este.
- Jazz à la Calle – An annual jazz festival held in Mercedes with local and international acts.
- Montevideo Rock – One of the biggest rock festivals in the country, taking place in Montevideo.
Art Festivals:
- Montevideo Comics – The most important comic convention in Uruguay, held annually in Montevideo.
- Montevideo International Film Festival – A notable film festival showcasing a broad range of films from Uruguay and around the world.
- Bienal de Salto – A biennial art exhibition held in Salto, showcasing works from local and international artists.
Food Festivals:
- Semana de la Cerveza – Known as the “Beer Week”, this festival in Paysandú celebrates craft beer and also includes concerts, sporting events, and cultural activities.
- Fiesta del Cordero – Celebrating the gastronomic tradition of sheep farming in Uruguay, this festival is held in Cerro Largo.
- Grape Harvest Festival – Celebrated in various regions of the country, with the most famous being in Las Piedras, celebrating the grape harvest and the production of wine.
Sport Festivals:
- Semana de Rocha – An annual sports week in Rocha, with various sports competitions including football, basketball, and cycling.
- Punta del Este Sevens – A notable rugby sevens tournament held annually in Punta del Este.
- Rutas de America – One of the most significant cycling races in Uruguay, covering different cities.
Cultural Festivals:
- Carnival of Uruguay – The longest carnival in the world, lasting over 40 days with parades, concerts, and contests in Montevideo.
- Las Llamadas – An important event of the Uruguayan Carnival, featuring a grand parade of comparsas (groups of dancers and drummers).
- Patria Gaucha – A gaucho (cowboy) festival held in Tacuarembó, celebrating Uruguayan rural traditions with rodeos, music, and dance.
- Fiesta de la X – An annual celebration of Afro-Uruguayan culture, with music, dance, and drumming, held in Barrio Sur, Montevideo.
- Fiesta de la Primavera – The “Spring Festival” held in various cities of Uruguay, with parades and concerts.
- Fiesta de San Cono – A religious festival in Florida, Uruguay, celebrating Saint Cono with a procession, mass, and other activities.
- Noche de la Nostalgia – A unique Uruguayan celebration held on the eve of Independence Day (August 25), where people party and dance to old hits.
- Festival del Tango – A celebration of the Tango, held annually in Montevideo, with performances, classes, and competitions.
As always, it’s recommended to check the most recent information about these festivals, as their dates and specifics may vary due to different factors.
