Montevideo carnival is the world’s longest carnival starting January thru early March. We’ve got the links you need in English about where to go and what to see.
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. After being cancelled in 2021 due to the pandemic (the fourth time in history) here are Montevideo carnival 2022 dates:
Carnival tablados
Carnival tablados are on across the city from late January 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. Get The Guru’Guay Guide to Montevideo to learn why.
Montevideo Carnival parades
The Inaugural Carnival Parade (Desfile inaugural)
Thursday 20 January eve
New location for 2022: Rambla Wilson, Parque Rodó (from Avenida Dr. Juan A. Cachón to the Teatro de Verano)
Samba Schools Parade (Desfile de escuelas de samba)
Friday 21 January eve
New location for 2022: Rambla Wilson, Parque Rodó
Las Llamadas, the Llamadas Parade
Friday 4 and Saturday 5 February
Raincheck dates: one week later.
Traditional route: Carlos Gardel/Isla de Flores streets, Barrio Sur and Palermo
Essential reading on Carnival in Uruguay
- What to see in Montevideo’s carnival
- 6 reasons not to miss carnival
- All about Candombe The Uruguayan carnival rhythm
- All about Murga Uruguay’s most popular carnival genre
* In 2020 the dates of the Llamadas were officially switched to the first Friday and Saturday of February (from the traditional Thursday and Friday).
Source for dates: Calle Febrero and El Observador
First published on October 5 and last updated at the date above
The Guru'Guay Guide to Montevideo
SECOND EDITION
The only guidebook to the capital by a writer based 100% in Uruguay. The difference to other guides — whose authors jet in for a few weeks — is palpable. Also in audiobook.
Related articles
Montevideo Carnival 2022 dates
Uruguay carnival is back in 2022! The world’s longest carnival returns to Montevideo. We’ve got the when and where. Updated.
Why Uruguayans celebrate Tourism Week – not Easter
40% of Roman Catholics live in Latin America but as usual Uruguay does its own thing. There’s complete separation of church and state for almost 100 years.
Carnival in Uruguay – what is murga?
Murga is an instantly recognisable musical style associated with carnival. It’s a uniquely Uruguayan phenomenon, with very distant roots in Cadiz, Spain.
6 reasons not to miss carnival in Montevideo
Virtually unknown to people outside of Uruguay, carnival in the capital Montevideo is one of the most authentic in the world. Start planning now for 2022.
Uruguay Festivals – Sea Goddess Day on February 2
This year the Government of Montevideo is urging Yemanjá sea goddess worshippers to avoid congregating–and to donate to local soup kitchens instead.
San Baltasar Carnival parade – January 6
My friend who’s ‘carnival royalty’ says San Baltasar is like carnival was when she was a child. Your chance to see Uruguay carnival just after new year.
Uruguay’s Kentucky Derby – January 6
One of the best things to do in Montevideo is visit the horse races. Fun for the family and for architecture buffs the art-deco stadium. Fridays & Sundays.
Montevideo #1 in new travel show
The host of this brand new travel show fell in love with Montevideo. The wine, soccer, carnival, food… so many things to do.
Montevideo Carnival 2020 dates
Montevideo has the world’s longest carnival starting January thru early March. We’ve got the links you need in English about where to go and what to see.
May in Montevideo: Degusto gastronomy fair
Bringing together more than 80 foodie initiatives and live music over one weekend, Degusto takes place in May and October each year in Carrasco, Montevideo.
Public holidays in Uruguay
It’s a good idea to know when public holidays in Uruguay are as most shops close. Public transport is also limited but to a lesser extent.
Gaucho week in Montevideo – Easter
Traditional food, handmade goods, and South American cowboys riding wild horses. It’s the Semana Criolla – Montevideo’s Easter gaucho festival.
