Holidays in Uruguay
Traditions, festivals, and cultural heritage
Uruguay is a country with a remarkably rich blend of European and local traditions. It hosts one of the longest carnivals in the world, family gatherings are invariably accompanied by asado (traditional barbecue) and mate, and unique events such as the Night of Nostalgia have no real equivalents elsewhere.
This article was prepared by experts from Uruguay Smart Estate
Major Public Holidays
People sometimes joke that Uruguay is a world champion when it comes to long weekends. While this is, of course, an exaggeration, it does reflect the Uruguayan approach to life, leisure, and maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal time.
Uruguay has 11 mandatory public holidays, along with additional non-working days. Many of these dates are “movable” and may be shifted to create long weekends.
Key holidays in 2026:
January 1 — New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo). Family dinners and fireworks.
January 6 — Children’s Day (Día de los Niños). Children receive gifts, and families gather together.
February–March — Carnival (Carnaval). Two official public holidays, usually Monday and Tuesday.
March 30 – April 5 — Tourism Week (Semana de Turismo). A popular time for trips to the beach and the countryside.
April 19 — Landing of the 33 Patriots (Desembarco de los 33 Orientales).
May 1 — Labor Day.
May 18 — Anniversary of the Battle of Las Piedras.
June 19 — Birthday of José Artigas, the father of the Uruguayan nation.
July 18 — Constitution Day.
August 25 — Independence Day.
October 12 — Day of Cultural Diversity (Día de la Diversidad Cultural, formerly Columbus Day / Discovery of the Americas).
November 2 — Day of the Dead (All Souls’ Day).
December 25 — Family Day (Día de la Familia, Christmas).
People sometimes joke that Uruguay is a world champion when it comes to long weekends. While this is, of course, an exaggeration, it does reflect the Uruguayan approach to life, leisure, and maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal time.
Uruguay has 11 mandatory public holidays, along with additional non-working days. Many of these dates are “movable” and may be shifted to create long weekends.
Key holidays in 2026:
January 1 — New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo). Family dinners and fireworks.
January 6 — Children’s Day (Día de los Niños). Children receive gifts, and families gather together.
February–March — Carnival (Carnaval). Two official public holidays, usually Monday and Tuesday.
March 30 – April 5 — Tourism Week (Semana de Turismo). A popular time for trips to the beach and the countryside.
April 19 — Landing of the 33 Patriots (Desembarco de los 33 Orientales).
May 1 — Labor Day.
May 18 — Anniversary of the Battle of Las Piedras.
June 19 — Birthday of José Artigas, the father of the Uruguayan nation.
July 18 — Constitution Day.
August 25 — Independence Day.
October 12 — Day of Cultural Diversity (Día de la Diversidad Cultural, formerly Columbus Day / Discovery of the Americas).
November 2 — Day of the Dead (All Souls’ Day).
December 25 — Family Day (Día de la Familia, Christmas).
The Longest Carnival in the World
Uruguay’s main festival—the Uruguayan Carnival—lasts for more than 40 days, from late January to early March, and is considered the longest carnival in the world. Unlike Brazil’s carnival, the emphasis here is less on elaborate costumes and more on music, theater, and street performances.
The core elements of the carnival include Candombe (Afro-Uruguayan drum rhythms), Murga (musical-theatrical groups known for satirical lyrics, choral singing, and colorful makeup), and Las Llamadas, a vibrant parade of dance and drumming groups through the streets of Montevideo.
Carnival is a celebration of freedom, diversity, and Uruguayan identity. The main events traditionally take place in Montevideo.
Uruguay’s main festival—the Uruguayan Carnival—lasts for more than 40 days, from late January to early March, and is considered the longest carnival in the world. Unlike Brazil’s carnival, the emphasis here is less on elaborate costumes and more on music, theater, and street performances.
The core elements of the carnival include Candombe (Afro-Uruguayan drum rhythms), Murga (musical-theatrical groups known for satirical lyrics, choral singing, and colorful makeup), and Las Llamadas, a vibrant parade of dance and drumming groups through the streets of Montevideo.
Carnival is a celebration of freedom, diversity, and Uruguayan identity. The main events traditionally take place in Montevideo.
Photo: Flickr
Semana Criolla (Creole Culture Week)
Semana Criolla, or Creole Culture Week, traditionally takes place during Tourism Week. The main events are held in Prado Park in Montevideo, as well as in other regions of the country. The festival is dedicated to the life and traditions of the gauchos — Uruguayan cattle herders and enduring symbols of national identity.
The program includes rodeo events, competitions testing skill and endurance, equestrian demonstrations, folk music and dance, craft fairs, and generous communal meals. Semana Criolla offers both Uruguayans and visitors a chance to connect with the country’s rural roots and experience its authentic cultural heritage.
Semana Criolla, or Creole Culture Week, traditionally takes place during Tourism Week. The main events are held in Prado Park in Montevideo, as well as in other regions of the country. The festival is dedicated to the life and traditions of the gauchos — Uruguayan cattle herders and enduring symbols of national identity.
The program includes rodeo events, competitions testing skill and endurance, equestrian demonstrations, folk music and dance, craft fairs, and generous communal meals. Semana Criolla offers both Uruguayans and visitors a chance to connect with the country’s rural roots and experience its authentic cultural heritage.
Photo: Flickr
Night of Nostalgia
On August 24, the eve of Independence Day, the entire country celebrates the Night of Nostalgia (Noche de la Nostalgia). This is an unofficial yet extremely popular event, when clubs, bars, and concert venues across Uruguay are filled with hit songs from the 1960s to the 1990s. People dress in retro style, relive their younger years, and dance until morning.
It is one of the largest nightlife events of the year and is officially recognized by Uruguay’s Ministry of Tourism. Uruguayans also have a deep love for music—concerts by world-class rock and pop artists regularly fill stadiums across the country.
On August 24, the eve of Independence Day, the entire country celebrates the Night of Nostalgia (Noche de la Nostalgia). This is an unofficial yet extremely popular event, when clubs, bars, and concert venues across Uruguay are filled with hit songs from the 1960s to the 1990s. People dress in retro style, relive their younger years, and dance until morning.
It is one of the largest nightlife events of the year and is officially recognized by Uruguay’s Ministry of Tourism. Uruguayans also have a deep love for music—concerts by world-class rock and pop artists regularly fill stadiums across the country.
Other Traditions and Customs
In addition to the events mentioned above, Uruguay has a surprisingly large number of highly specialized professional observances. For example, there is the Lighthouse Keeper’s Day (August 16, celebrated by just a few people) or Paleontologist’s Day (October 18, involving around 20 specialists nationwide). Chances are, there is even a day dedicated to your profession.
Tango festivals, beer festivals, grape harvest celebrations, jazz events, and classical music concerts are also very popular throughout the country.
Football matches in Uruguay are met with tremendous enthusiasm — it is a true national passion. We will definitely dedicate a separate article to this important part of Uruguayan culture.
Holidays in Uruguay are, above all, a reason to gather with family and friends and enjoy good food, music, and nature. If you are planning a trip, try to visit during Carnival, the Night of Nostalgia, or Semana Criolla —these experiences are truly unforgettable.
In addition to the events mentioned above, Uruguay has a surprisingly large number of highly specialized professional observances. For example, there is the Lighthouse Keeper’s Day (August 16, celebrated by just a few people) or Paleontologist’s Day (October 18, involving around 20 specialists nationwide). Chances are, there is even a day dedicated to your profession.
Tango festivals, beer festivals, grape harvest celebrations, jazz events, and classical music concerts are also very popular throughout the country.
Football matches in Uruguay are met with tremendous enthusiasm — it is a true national passion. We will definitely dedicate a separate article to this important part of Uruguayan culture.
Holidays in Uruguay are, above all, a reason to gather with family and friends and enjoy good food, music, and nature. If you are planning a trip, try to visit during Carnival, the Night of Nostalgia, or Semana Criolla —these experiences are truly unforgettable.
!
A Tip from USE
If you are planning to attend any of these events in 2026, be sure to arrange your accommodation well in advance—whether by booking a hotel or using platforms such as Booking or Airbnb. The Uruguay Smart Estate agency can also assist you in finding suitable short-term rental housing.
If you are planning to attend any of these events in 2026, be sure to arrange your accommodation well in advance—whether by booking a hotel or using platforms such as Booking or Airbnb. The Uruguay Smart Estate agency can also assist you in finding suitable short-term rental housing.