Brazil is known for its Carnaval parades that fill entire streets. In Argentina and Uruguay, Carnaval is celebrated a little differently. It is more modest, mostly popular in smaller, often indigenous towns in northern Argentina and Uruguay. Considered a celebration of ‘el pueblo,’ it combines the region’s African roots and a longstanding Catholic tradition.

 

Drum beats called Candombe are the staple of Carnaval dances, as well as influences of folkloric and cumbia music with costumes specific to each dance group. In Buenos Aires and Montevideo, Carnaval is more conservative than in Brazilian cities like Rio or São Paulo and contained to certain neighborhoods. Outside of these small microcosms, it is business as usual in the bustling capitals.