The story
Montevideo Carnival in Montevideo
Montevideo Carnival runs for roughly 40 days across the Uruguayan summer, commonly cited as the longest carnival season in the world. It centers on two distinct traditions: the Desfile de Llamadas, a candombe drumming parade through the historically Afro-Uruguayan neighborhoods of Barrio Sur and Palermo, and neighborhood tablado stages where murga groups compete with satirical musical theater judged at the Teatro de Verano.
Montevideo's carnival is frequently described as the longest in the world, stretching across roughly 40 days of the Uruguayan summer rather than compressing into the few days before Lent seen in most Catholic carnival traditions.