Photo Gallery from the Carnival 2016 in Montevideo

February is Carnival time in South America. Recently we experienced it up close at the Las Llamadas parade in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Carnival in Montevideo: visit Las Llamadas, a colourful parade with its roots in the African slave culture (a travel photo gallery)

Carnival in Montevideo: one of the bearers of the large colourful flags

We liked this parade very much, and have lots of photos to prove it. So we bring you the promised gallery post, with more of the drumming, vibrant colours, dancing, flag waving, feathers, bare skin, make-up, and fun!

Carnival in Montevideo: a large group of participants chatting in the staging area

It is a unique experience because it has its roots in the African slave culture. We were fascinated by the history. In Las Llamadas – Carnival in Montevideo we told you the story of the main characters: Las Portabanderas, La Mama Vieja, El Gramillero, El Escobiller, and La Vedette. They dance along the street to the Candombe rhythm kept up by the Lubolos.

But we didn’t tell you that these drummers practice for the whole year, almost every weekend. They walk the streets of their barrio, beating the distinctive rhythm. If you visit Montevideo and stay in one of the suburbs, listen out for them. It’s usually late Saturday afternoon. Go out and try to catch up with the drummers – it’s a moving experience.

More photos from Friday taken at the staging area:

We assume that the dancers also practice regularly, especially the women who manage to dance along the uneven surface of the road, in shoes many women wouldn’t be able to walk in. We also commented on the expertise of the flag wavers. And all of these participants are ordinary people, who come together to represent their part of the city on these 2 special nights of the year.

The result is an unforgettable experience for both audience and participants.

Carnival in Montevideo: four Mamas Viejas waiting in the staging area. You call this a “traditional African housewife costume”?