Smokewood Garzón – Magical 50-acre off-the-grid vacation rental
This magical 50-acre modern off-the-grid oasis is one of the best places to stay in Uruguay.
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. Here are Montevideo carnival 2023 dates:
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.
1. El Velodromo Love their great line-ups and that they offer shows every night of the week. Details here (in Spanish)
2. Museo de Carnaval In the Old City, the only venue with cover in case of rain. Open Fridays and Saturdays only. Details here (in Spanish)
The Inaugural Carnival Parade (Desfile inaugural)
Thursday 19 January eve
Av. 18 de Julio (main street), from Plaza Independencia to Plaza Cagancha
Samba Schools Parade (Desfile de escuelas de samba)
Friday 20 January
Av. 18 de Julio (main street), from Andes to Paraguay
Las Llamadas, the Llamadas Parade
Friday 10 and Saturday 11 February
Raincheck dates: one week later
Traditional route: Isla de Flores street, from Zelmar Michelini to Minas
Source for dates: DAECPU
Cover photo by Jimmy Baikovicius
Smokewood Garzón – Magical 50-acre off-the-grid vacation rental
This magical 50-acre modern off-the-grid oasis is one of the best places to stay in Uruguay.
Uruguay Festivals – Sea Goddess Day on February 2
It’s Yemanjá Day on February 2. Don’t miss this special festival of the Goddess of the Sea at Playa Ramírez in the Parque Rodó neighbourhood.
Getting around: buses, taxis and walking
Getting around like a local. Flag down the bus—or it won’t stop. Don’t tip your taxi driver—but don’t expect him to load your luggage! Essential maps.
Montevideo Carnival 2023 dates
Uruguay carnival is back in 2023! The world’s longest carnival returns to Montevideo. We’ve got the when and where.
Brisas de la Pedrera – Boutique hotel in Rocha
Uruguay’s best beaches are in Rocha. La Pedrera is the best-kept beach town in Rocha. Here’s the La Pedrera hotel most foreigners prefer.
Mark Teuten & Associates – Lawyers & notaries
Finding an English speaking Uruguay immigration lawyer who can advise on real estate, employment law, & mediation, as well, can be a huge relief.
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.
How to avoid paying top dollar at the beach in Uruguay
Some beaches are just so darn popular. Tips for when & how to get best rates on hotels and rentals in Uruguay.
Montevideo over New Year? 5 things you need to know
Between Christmas & New Year, Montevideans leave town in droves. So what to do you do? There’s still the beaches, tango, fireworks and… water fights!
Great little car rental company in Uruguay
Shout-out for local car rental company, Mariño Sport, in Uruguay. I’ve been impressed by their great service and personal touch since 2010.
It’s Yemanjá Day on February 2. Don’t miss this special festival of the Goddess of the Sea at Playa Ramírez in the Parque Rodó neighbourhood.
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.
Between Christmas & New Year, Montevideans leave town in droves. So what to do you do? There’s still the beaches, tango, fireworks and… water fights!
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.
Could Uruguay be the only country in the world with a state-sanctioned celebration of “golden oldies”? Bring on the Bee Gees!
A violent storm hits Uruguay and parts of Argentina at the same time every year. Urban myth? Or is there some truth to this weird weather phenomenon?
Proudly made in Uruguay
Follow us
Subscribe
To receive two emails a month about travel, life and sometimes investment opportunities in Uruguay
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
What’s your interest in Uruguay?
Travel interests
Store
About us
Guru’Guay is part of UruguayNatural, the official country brand of Uruguay
Proudly made in Uruguay
Follow us
Subscribe
To receive two emails a month about travel, life and sometimes investment opportunities in Uruguay
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
English
Español
Русский
Português
Deutsch
Français
13 Responses
We arrive in Montevideo on Feb 10th in the evening after 5pm, for the weekend. How can we get tickets for the Llamades Parade?
Try asking your hotel to help you? — Karen
Perfect timing! I’ll be arriving in January for 7s rugby in Punta Del Este, then starting the rugby 15s season in Montevideo in February con Alejandro y Old Christians Club!
Fantastic! Welcome back!
What sites should I visit in Montevideo. What is the main shopping area tourist areas?
Hi, Olga. The Guru’Guay Guide to Montevideo has a whole chapter on “Shopping and buying original gifts” in Montevideo. You can find it in audio version on Audible too. Hope that helps!
Hi Karen.
We are arriving to Uruguay on 1st March – first to Colonia and then heading to Montevideo. Will the Carnival be over by then, or do we still have a chance? Thanks in advance, Anna
Hi Anna, I’m responding on Karen’s behalf because she’s on leave. Almost everything happens in February, but I think you’ll still have a chance to find ‘tablados’ and get a taste of murga. Cheers!
Hi there,
For a long time carnival fan but first time visitor to Uruguay which of these would you recommend? I twould be good to go to all but then we woulsd see nothing else in uruguay!
Thanks
Justyn
Hi Justyn. We suggest that you attend the Llamadas Parade then. Cheers!
Do you have info on Punta and Maldonado parades?
Hello Michael, how are you doing? The latest news I could find is on the local government website. They say: Neighbourhood processions will be cancelled and the activity will focus on one parade per municipality. The first one will be, if conditions permit, on February 12th in San Carlos and in Maldonado on February 28th. The rest are being confirmed, but tentatively the 19th will be in Piriápolis, the 26th in Pan de Azúcar and in Aiguá on the 4th of March. Hope this helps – happy carnival! — Karen