Candombe in Barrio Sur & Palermo
Barrio Sur / Palermo
The birthplace of candombe, the drumming tradition of Uruguay's Afro-Uruguayan community and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. On weekend evenings, drum troupes parade through the streets.
Candombe is the drumming and dance tradition of Uruguay's Afro-descendant community. It was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. Barrio Sur and Palermo are its birthplaces, and to this day many drum troupes gather spontaneously on Sunday evenings (and some Saturdays). Dozens of drums of various sizes play as they walk along streets such as Isla de Flores, with residents and visitors following behind. Every February, during Carnival, the grand “Las Llamadas” parade takes place here. Viewing is free and the timing is not fixed, so ask at your accommodation. Keep an eye on your belongings when crowds are large, and take a taxi away when it's over.
Opening hours
Weekend evenings (irregular)
Nearby sights
- Palacio Municipal & Mirador Panorámico
- Palacio Salvo
- Plaza Independencia
- Solís Theatre
- Museo Torres García
- Museo Andes 1972
- Ciudad Vieja
- Catedral Metropolitana de Montevideo