The Culture
Uruguay is a nation that loves to celebrate. The Carnaval of Uruguay is famous for its vibrant parades, music, and colourful costumes. Join in the festivities and experience the lively spirit of the Uruguayan people.
Uruguay is known for its safety and friendly locals. Travellers often find themselves welcomed with open arms and a genuine warmth that makes their visit even more special.
Like neighbouring Argentina, most Uruguayans have Italian and Spanish ancestors who immigrated to the country in the 19th and 20th centuries. Most of the population is Roman Catholic, though a small community of Jews—one of the largest in South America—lives in the capital of Montevideo.
The official language of Uruguay is Spanish. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas and business places. Portuguese and Portuñol (a mixture of Spanish and Portuguese) are spoken near the border with Brazil.
Candombe is the traditional Uruguayan music and dance style with African roots and is now a UNESCO-recognized World Cultural Heritage.