Holidays in Uruguay

Uruguay, or Republica Oriental del Uruguay as it is officially known, is a name that has been derived from a Guarani word, which means "river of painted birds", "river of shellfish" or "river the Uru birds come from." Before independence, it was called as Banda Oriental del Uruguay.

No doubt, people in the country have very well saved their culture and tradition, which is a clear indication of how far they are attached to them. Uruguayans are very intensely devoted towards their nation. Welfare of the country is the priority there.

Since 1917, although the law states the right to accept any religion, people are not very religious inclined. Actually, if you look at statistics, around one-third of the Uruguayan population is drawn to religion.

About 60 percent of the total population is Catholic, but most people do not attend church or mass regularly. It is nothing, but a fact which introduces their thinking, which is free from conservatism.

Around 4 percent are Protestants and 2 percent of the total population is covered by the Jewish community. Africa and Israel migrants are also spread over.

Worldwide celebrated holidays are enjoyed with open heart, but being secular, the Uruguayans preferred to change the name of the holidays. National holidays in Uruguay are nearly the same that are celebrated world over, but they have some additional days to celebrate their heroes and independence. However, many names have been changed. For instance, Christmas Day is more popularly known as Family Day, while the Holy Week is referred to as Tourism Week.

Uruguayans also celebrate New Year's Day on January 1, Labor Day of May 1, Day of the Americas on October 12, Day of the Deceased on November 2 and Carnival in February or March. All these are national holidays in Uruguay.

In addition, August 25 is Independence Day, Constitution Day is on July 18, and 33 Patriots' Day on April 19 are the main national holidays devoted to the history of the country.

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