National traditions of Uruguay. Habits, mentality and the way of living

It is safe to say that Uruguayans are patriotic people. Since early childhood, they learn to love their people, culture, and history. It is hard to find an Uruguayan who is not proud of his or her motherland. Solidarity and mutual help are the main features in the lives of Uruguayans. That being said, they detest all kinds of intolerance. Prejudices regarding different ethnic groups and minorities are very rare here. Uruguay is widely recognized as the most tolerant LGBT country in South America. Same-sex marriages are allowed in Uruguay. Moreover, the country legitimized divorces yet in 1907, and women got the right to vote ten years later.

The majority of Uruguayans are passionate about football. Adults and children play football on the streets, in backyards, and other areas where it is permitted. If someone doesn’t play football, they watch others, enjoy watching broadcasted football games on TV or listen to sports programs on the radio. It is not rare to see special road signs that warn drivers of playing kids on Uruguayan roads. Guests of the country will probably hear national music, as well as music for tango, play in many public areas. Music has an important role in the culture of Uruguay. Once a week, around the midday, groups of drummers walk along the streets of Montevideo. No one considers them distracting or noisy – quite the opposite, locals cheer the musicians and consider this a great opportunity to relax and dance.

Uruguay guarantees free elementary and higher education for every citizen of the country, and this is not a new law but a norm that was adopted at the end of the 19th century. There are still different classes in Uruguayan society, but for travelers, it is hard to notice them. The country is often referred to as the safest and most legitimate in whole Latin America. The share of people living in poverty is very small in Uruguay in comparison to other countries. The share of rich people, such as businessmen and politics, is also small. It is only possible to understand the position of a certain person on a social ladder based on the brand and price of the car, Western fashion in clothing style, and the choice of vacation destinations. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The majority of Uruguayans speak a certain dialect of the Spanish language. People, who live far from big cities, can often speak the Creole dialect. Many young people can speak English. Uruguayans are friendly and hospitable, but they prefer to spend their free time with relatives and close friends. However, more young people have started living separately and not with parents in recent decades. As a rule, young Uruguayans rent apartments with their friends because it is too expensive to pay the rent alone. When someone is getting married, everyone is welcome to visit the wedding, including random passersby. This tradition is a good illustration of generosity or cheerfulness of Uruguayans. Even if a couple decides to marry in a church and invites only closest relatives and friends to this ceremony, there is always a wedding party for countless guests after the official part in the church.

As a rule, Uruguayans families have one or two kids. Big families have become rare. As a rule, a family consists of parents and children, but there are big families in rural areas. Young men and women are very serious when it comes to family, so they prefer to get high education and job first, and then think of making a family and having children that they can grow and support thanks to stable salary. Children usually get two family names from their mom and dad. As Uruguayan women got many rights and freedoms yet at the beginning of the 20th century, the program of gender discrimination is not as sharp as in other Latin American countries.

Descendants of European immigrants make up the majority of the population of Uruguay. Spanish and Italian people immigrated to Uruguay the most in the past, and descendants of Africans and metises are the minority. Approximately half of the country’s population is Catholics, and the other half is Protestants, atheists, people that practice other forms of Christianity, and other religions. Uruguayans cannot stand boastful and arrogant people. They are modest, enjoy simple life, and do not like luxury. As descendants of cowboys and farmers, locals think that everyone is equal and never act presumptuously but they will also not tolerate mockery.

Any kind of violation, including sexual one, is rare in Uruguay. Men express their admiration of women with long glances and sometimes with compliments. Women usually respond with standard and very efficient reaction – they simply pass by. Alcohol, and ever-popular national drink Grappamiel in particular, is popular in Uruguay, but locals rarely become drunk. If someone appears drunk in a public area, he or she may lose the respect of others and damage the reputation. Marijuana is legalized in the country, but locals have a negative approach to heavier drugs. The government financially supports people of art, such as painters and dancers. In February, Montevideo hosts a colorful carnival with mandatory performances of drummers, groups of dancers, and comics who comment on the main events of the year in a satirical form. Everyone is welcome to join the fun.