Montevideo And Uruguayan Carnival

OVERVIEW

Browse the flamboyant displays in the Carnival Museum and watch a performance of musical theater known as murga that is synonymous with Carnival. Much of this annual celebration – which lasts up to 40 days in Montevideo – is held in the streets, which you will travel during an orientation drive through the capital city. Along the way, you will pause at landmarks such as Independence Square, the Legislative Palace and La Carreta, a bronze sculpture that depicts the area’s 19th-century oxcart drivers. Montevideo is equally known for Carnival as you will discover while browsing the colorful costumes, musical instruments and photographs in the museum dedicated to the celebration in Montevideo, the world’s longest such event. Murga is a prominent part of Carnival and as you watch a performance of this dramatic street theater you can’t help but be caught up in the festivities. If you wish, you can don a Carnival costume and join the performers.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse a museum devoted to Montevideo’s outrageously extravagant Carnival.
• Watch a performance of murga, a street theater that is vitally important to Carnival.
• Gain an overview of Montevideo on a panoramic drive through the capital city.
• Pause for photos of landmarks that honor Uruguay’s independence and history.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.