Uruguay is the smallest state in the South American continent. However, despite its small area, Uruguay is deservedly considered the most developed and prosperous country in Latin America in terms of tourism and accommodation. Travelers are attracted by the atmosphere of the colonial past reigning here, the charms of beach rest and, of course, the culture and indigenous traditions of Uruguay.
Traditions in society
The distinctive features of the inhabitants of Uruguay are considered benevolence, poise, and peace of mind. Uruguayans are not characterized by a manifestation of closure, bias and rudeness, this is a very positive people who are striving for intangible happiness, openly and vividly express their emotions. Since most of the population of Uruguay are emigrants, people of different nationalities and guests of the country are treated with great respect. The society is based on the supreme principles of solidarity and education, the level of which here is considered to be the highest in comparison with other Latin American countries.
In communication, Uruguayans are correct, attentive, talkative and tolerant of the shortcomings of the interlocutor. As a greeting, a handshake is practiced in men, and women are patted on the right shoulder. To local residents who have a certain professional title, for example, a doctor, an architect, a professor or an engineer, it is customary to refer to the name and professional affiliation. The interlocutor without the title is usually called the "señor", "seigneur" or "senorita".
The preferences of Uruguayans are still traditional, so they often try to avoid any innovations. Probably, the only drawback of the Uruguayan people is the non-binding: they can simply forget about their promises.
Cultural traditions
The culture of Uruguay combines elements of Spanish, African and Brazilian traditions. There are musical preferences in the country, such as candombe and murga. Kandombe is an Afro-Uruguayan music style based on drums, mugga is an opera or musical-dramatic form. The country has quite developed directions of folk music, created on the roots of gauchos and connections with Argentina . The favorite instrument of Uruguayans is the guitar. Among the dances are popular waltz, polka and tango.
Despite its small geographical size, Uruguay has its own literary and artistic traditions. The international recognition was given to the author of pastoral scenes by the artist Pedro Figari and the greatest writer of the country, Jose Enrique Rodo. And the main tradition of Uruguayans is the passion for football.
Spiritual traditions
Uruguay is absolutely not a religious country. The church and state officially exist separately from each other. The celebration of Christmas or Easter here is modest and almost unnoticed. What can not you say about the New Year, when the sky blazes with bright salutes. Local people are waiting for secular, not religious holidays . This is the bright contrast of Uruguay from Mexico. Among the faithful Uruguayans are mainly Roman Catholics. Besides them, there is a small community of Jews in Montevideo, there are several evangelical Protestant communities and Sun Mung - the Lunar Unification Church.
Culinary traditions
From other inhabitants of the Latin American continent, Uruguayans are distinguished by their excessive eating of meat. Here they like to arrange gatherings with a barbecue right on the streets of the city, and this does not require a specific occasion or event. Local people can simply grill chicken or beef as an ordinary lunch or dinner.
A national dish in Uruguay is considered to be a beef on a platter, or a steam plate. Another equally famous dish is civito - it's a delicious hot sandwich with meat and other ingredients. Also popular is the hot sausage in a roll, ungaros. Tea and other drinks Uruguayans drink in large quantities. It is worth noting that in Uruguay brewed excellent beer.
Traditional events
A vivid tradition of Uruguay is the annual and longest carnival on the planet - Llamadas. It begins in January and ends only at the end of February. Carnival Llamadas - a fantastic and spectacular sight: it looks like all the colors and colors of the world are gathered in this place. Throughout the celebration, performances by drummers and dance groups take place, followed by a show of the work of parodists, satirists, mimes and young artists. The motto of the carnival: "Everybody dance!".
It should be said about the traditional rodeo festival, which is held annually in Montevideo . The best riders of Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina are fighting for the main prize and the title of a real cowboy. Uruguayan rodeo is quite popular, watching the battle comes half a million curious.