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South America is well known for it's Colourful Carnivals and one of the great places to experience
this is in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. Carnival is widely celebrated throughout the
country but the big parties can be found in Montevideo.
Carnival is celebrated during January and February each year.
One of the main highlights during the Carnival season is known as "llamadas". This takes
place in the streets of the Palermo and Sur districts of Montevideo, and is usually held
in early February. Participants come from all over the country
to enjoy the sights and sounds of Candombé. This is a drum-based rhythm and dance which
originated among the Afro-Uruguayan population. Groups taking part are made up of drummers
and dancers, all dressed up in colourful clothes and facepaint. The groups are judged in various
categories including drumming and dancing abilities.
The Carnival is loud and vibrant, with people enjoying the festive party atmosphere.
The entertainment starts early evening going on until late. It is best to arrive early
to get a good spot. You can stand or pay for a ticket in one of the seated areas that are
spread along the route. Now, If you happened to be in Buenos Aires,
Argentina, during Carnival season, you can easily cross over the Rio de la Plata to Montevideo
by Ferry. We would recommend staying at least a few days in Montevideo not only to enjoy
Carnival but also the beautiful city itself.