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The Culture, Traditions, and Heritage of Uruguay

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Uruguay’s literature, arts and music are very diverse considering its small population of three million. Uruguay and Argentina shares the same taste in folk and popular music like the tango and gaucho. One of the most popular tangos in the country is La Cumparsita, written by Gerardo Matos Rodriguez in 1917. Another popular folk dance is the candombe usually performed during the festive seasons of Carnival by Uruguayan dancers of African ancestry. Rock music and Caribbean music also known as tropical music are regularly played by radio stations and performed at musical events. The early classical music are heavily influenced by Spanish and Italian styles but the 20th century composers like Eduardo Fabini, Hector Tosar and Vicente Ascone favors Latin American musical idioms.

Uruguay’s notable literary figures include Jose Enrique Rodo (1871-1917) who wrote a book in 1910 titled Ariel in which he stressed that amid the pursuit of materials and progress, spiritual values should be kept. Playwright Florencio Sanchez (1875-1910) recognized as one of the best in his fields in Latin America wrote plays that are still being played today. Writer Juan carols Onetti achieved critical praises for his psychological stories like No Man’s Land and The Shipyard.

Abstract painter and sculptor Carlos Páez Vilaró created his best known work yet, Casapueblo, a livable structure that serve as hotel, museum and his home. It is located near Punta del Este and visited each year by thousands of tourists from around world. Marcelo Bertalmio’s film, Los dias con Ana (Days with Ana) achieved international honors.