|
|
|
Culture
Uruguay has an
impressive legacy of artistic and literary traditions,
especially for its small size. The contribution of its
alternating conquerors and diverse immigrants has
resulted in native traditions that integrate this
diversity. Uruguay has centuries old remains,
fortresses of the colonial era. Its cities have a rich
architectural heritage and an impressive number of
writers, artists, and musicians.
The Uruguayan people
revel in the art of theater as well as many musical and
dance traditions. A lot of these have roots in Europe,
but have evolved with their own twists of local color
whether they involve plays, concerts, exhibitions, or
festivals.
The tango has an entire sub-culture
centered on movement, music, and lyrics. Tango is love,
hate, and passion. Tango transforms one’s existential
problems into pure energy and joy. And in Uruguay,
people love to Tango and they Tango well!
Inland, we find the culture of the
gaucho, the cowboys of South America. To this day,
gauchos wear the same traditional dress as generations
ago. Complete with it’s own music and dance; gaucho is
about pride and dignity, individual integrity, and
national identity.
As far as general arts and crafts,
Uruguayans are excellent in creating the most beautiful
handcrafted leather goods. Homegrown leather is
transformed into belts, boots, hats, and purses.
Uruguayans are also renowned for their handmade woolen
items, especially woolen sweaters. There is also a
niche of ceramic crafts that reflect local color. |
|
|
|
