Carnival in Uruguay is uniquely different to anywhere else in the world. And what’s really special for a visitor is that it is still an event primarily for the locals. Here are Montevideo carnival 2019 dates:
Carnival tablados
Carnival tablados are on across the city from January 25 for the next 40 nights (longer if there’s rain). Tablados are nightly shows featuring four to seven carnival groups. So you can expect to be able to attend a tablado in Montevideo until early March. Some tablado line-ups are better than others. Check out this page (in Spanish) to see what’s on tonight.
For tablado recommendations in English, visit the Guru’Guay Facebook page. We post the day’s recommended tablado on request. Just write to us via Facebook 24-48 hours in advance and we’ll be happy to help. Just a little service we love to provide to help you get the most out of your time here.
Carnival parades
January 24 Desfile inaugural, the Inaugural Carnival Parade (down 18 de Julio Avenue) from 8.30pm
February 7 and 8 Las Llamadas, the amazing Llamadas Parade (down Isla de Flores street between Barrio Sur and Palermo).
Essential reading on Carnival in Uruguay
What to see in Montevideo’s carnival
6 reasons why you mustn’t miss carnival while you’re in Uruguay
To really understand what it’s all about, hit carnival parades, shows and carnival rehearsals with “The Carnival Whisperer”
Download the best-selling The Guru’Guay Guide to Montevideo for your tablet for under ten dollars for loads more of the background into why Uruguayan carnival unique. Or order it from Amazon.
All about Candombe, a uniquely Uruguayan musical rhythm
More useful stuff about the carnival in Uruguay 2019:
Our Discover Uruguay group is a great place to ask other questions get more great information about carnival and other things to do while you’re in Uruguay. Also, don’t miss our top picks (hotels, experiences, restos, that we love and have discovered over our 20 years living in Uruguay).
Photos: Simone Mul-Baker
Source for dates: Intendencia de Montevideo
Hi, We are planning to come to Montevideo in Febr, 2020. This website is a great help! We’re looking forward to experience some carnival vibes! Are there any specific dates with special events we can attend to?
Hi Laura, there most certainly are! In our new book The Guru’Guay Guide to Montevideo you’ll find three chapters dedicated to carnival and telling you all about the events, so that you can decide which ones interest you the most. If you don’t want to wait for the paperback to arrive then you can download the book for phone, kindle or tablet/PC too. Enjoy! All the best, Karen
Visited two years ago: I loved the shows, the pantomime abs dancing! I really appreciated the friendly welcome to visitors even though I do not speak Spanish! A fun time, indeed!
So great to hear, Bill! You’ve confirmed that one does not need to speak Spanish to be able to really enjoy carnival in Uruguay. All the best, Karen
I studied in Montevideo for a semester in college, but even when I have been back to visit I have always missed Carnival. I’m so excited to finally be there for even a few days. I only have one night to see the Llamadas and I may be able to make it to a Tablado before that. Do you have any suggestions on where we should be on Isla de Flores or what not to miss with the Tablados? Unfortunately, my group is bigger than 2 people and the Carnival Whisper tour is not an option.
Hi Sarah, definitely contact the Carnival Whisperer for the Llamadas. She usually offers a terrace owned by a local drummer from which to have a fantastic view of the parade–plus you get to ask her all your burning questions. Regarding the tablados, contact us on the Guru’Guay facebook page a few days before you arrive and we’ll be happy to post our favourite tablado location for the night you are with us (we check daily to see which is our favourite if readers ask us).
Hi is the carnival tomorrow if so where will we see it I’m staying near Currasco until Sunday 3rd
Feb
Thanks TARA
Hi Tara, there are two tablados near Carrasco. The one I would recommend for you is in the Malvin sports club. It is actually one of my favourite tablados, the vibe is very neighbourhood. Ask your host how to get there or use Uber.