Uruguay, is located between two giants of South America: Brazil and Argentina. Despite its small area and its only 3.407.000 inhabitants, it has a very strong culture. In this article we will talk about some of the typical Uruguay traditions, which are part of the country’s identity.
Typical Uruguay Traditions
The mate
Mate is a drink that is rooted in the Uruguay traditions and is a fundamental element of its identity. This infusion, made with leaves of yerba mate and hot water, is consumed from the pre-columbian age and was quickly adopted by the spanish colonizers, who transmitted this custom throughout different generations. It is very common to recognize an Uruguayan abroad because he has the mate in his hand and the term under his arm. In Uruguay, unlike what happens in other countries, mate is consumed at home (at breakfast or in the evenings) or away from home, at work or just to enjoy a walk.
The mate is usually inside and outside made of wood, and the elements that complement it are the mate bulb, through which the infusion is drunk, and the water thermos, where the hot water is conserved.
The asado
Another of the typical Uruguay tradition is the asado or barbecue, which functions as an excuse to meet with family or friends and share a moment around the grill. The most traditional cuts of meat are the entrecote, the queue tail, the vacuum, the pulpo and the strip roast. On the grill, in addition to the meat, classic gourds are usually cooked. The most common are chorizo, gizzard, blood sausage and chinchulin. There may also be vegetarian options as cooking grilled vegetables can add a gourmet touch to the roast.
If at any moment you think about making a typical Uruguayan Asado, you must take into account that the cooking is done on the basis of the ember that gives off the firewood, traditionally avoiding the use of coal.
The candombe
If we talk about music, candombe is the autochthonous rhythm par excellence of Uruguay. Although the influence of the African slaves, who arrived in the eighteenth century, was fundamental for the birth of this rhythm, the Uruguayans have appropriated it and adapted it by making it their own. The traditional candombe is the one that is played in the streets, mainly in the capital of the country: Montevideo. In neighborhoods you can listen to the comparsas, made up of at least 20 drums, sounding the slates and creating a unique dialogue, which form a rhythm that invites you to dance. The drums that are used for the candombe are 3: the piano, the peal and the boy, and it is in the combination of them where the rhythm is born.
Every year in Montevideo, during the month of February, traditional calls are celebrated, where, for two days, more than 40 comparsas parade through Isla de Flores, a street that crosses along Barrio Sur and Palermo, two neighborhoods strongly identified with this tradition.
The wine
In recent years, Uruguay has become very professional in winemaking, obtaining several awards across the world. Not only are quality wines being produced, but wine tourism has gained fans and more and more wineries offer a complete experience to tourists and wine. Among them stands Bodega Garzón, a spectacular place very close to the scenic Pueblo Garzón, at kilometer 175 of route 9 in the department of Maldonado. At Bodega Garzón you will not only be able to enjoy a wide variety of experiences, but you will also be able to taste an unforgettable lunch in our restaurant, with a complete view of the vineyards and try some of the fine Garzón wines, among which we highlight on this occasion Tannat and Albariño.
