Tannat and Lamb
Since ancient times, people have gathered around the fire. Its power to cook and transform is commemorated in June with gastronomic offers and rituals at several wine tourist establishments in Uruguay.
Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the delights of Tannat wine and its excellent pairing with lamb, two of Uruguay’s gastronomic emblems.
Tannat is a varietal wine made from the Tannat grape, originally from France, first brought to Uruguay by Basque immigrants from the town of Concordia, Argentina, in the late 19th century. After more than a century of cultivation, it has widely spread and excellently adapted to our soil, becoming the “National Vine.” Through modern winemaking techniques, wineries have positioned Uruguayan Tannat among the world’s finest wines, making it our flagship beverage.
Lamb has always been part of the traditional cuisine on ranches and farms throughout the countryside. The introduction of meat-producing sheep breeds brought this noble meat to haute cuisine. Restaurant chefs began offering lamb dishes in various preparations, giving people the chance to enjoy unique experiences, this time, paired with different Tannat wines.
In this new edition, various tourism operators are offering transportation to wineries including tours and lunch or dinner experiences.
Most options require booking in advance, so it is key to plan ahead.
Discover the full program of the Tannat & Lamb Festival at our tourist wineries.
Saint John’s Eve
Unlike the northern hemisphere, where the arrival of summer is celebrated, Uruguay’s version of Saint John’s Eve welcomes winter. Despite the European origins of this celebration, it has taken on its own identity in Uruguay for over a decade.
Originally a pagan celebration, Christianity eventually linked it to the eve of Saint John the Baptist’s birth on June 24. It spread across Europe and is now specially rooted in the Iberian Peninsula.
The ceremony not only pays homage to the sun but also allows people to burn away the bad and purify their sins. To this end, participants write letters to Saint John to be thrown into the fire, while others simply make their wishes for the coming year.
In Uruguay, this celebration is combined with cultural displays: drums, fire shows, paintings, audiovisual projections, storytellers, dancers, poetry, and more.
Discover the Saint John’s Eve events scheduled at each winery!
The Pioneering Celebration in Montevideo
The original Saint John celebration in Montevideo is organized by Casal Catalá in Varela Square. It has been declared of Municipal Interest by Municipality CH and is supported by the Generalitat de Catalunya. The organization has promoted this event for over 20 years, attracting residents from across the city.
Several thousand kilos of firewood are burned, and in addition to the bonfire, there are gastronomic treats to share: paella, Coca de Sant Joan (a traditional Catalan sweet), Coca de Recapete (a savory version), croquants, and ron cremat (rum flavored with cinnamon, clove, and lemon).
There is also Catalan folk music and dance, and the night ends with fireworks to celebrate the longest night in the southern hemisphere.
Other Saint John Celebrations in Uruguay
Saint John’s Eve in Canelones
Saint John’s Eve will be celebrated in various towns in the department of Canelones, featuring traditional bonfires, musical performances, gastronomy, and more.
From Friday, June 20 through Tuesday, June 24, over 20 events will be held in towns like Atlántida, Melgarejo, Totoral del Sauce, San Jacinto, Migues, Tala, and Santa Rosa, as well as at several wineries in Progreso, Las Piedras, La Paz, Sauce, Joaquín Suárez, and Santa Lucía.
The Feast of Saint John has pagan roots and is celebrated every June 23, on the eve of Saint John the Baptist’s day. While it is associated with the summer solstice in the north, in the southern hemisphere it has taken on a distinctly Uruguayan character, becoming a popular festivity across the country.
Bonfires are the main feature of this magical night. In Canelones, in addition to the traditional bonfires, attendees will enjoy gastronomic options with local and guest chefs, typical dishes, snacks, hot chocolate, special pairings, and mulled wine. There will also be music, dance, fire rituals, craft markets, and more.
Check out all the events on the Turismo Canelones App or on this link.
Aiguá Saint John’s Bonfire Festival
Aiguá awaits you on Saturday, June 21 to celebrate the traditional Saint John’s bonfire night, a festival full of music, dance, tradition, and fun for the whole family. The event starts at noon in the main square and goes on until midnight.
Celebrating the traditions brought in by immigrant families, the festivities include lighting the bonfire at 5:35 p.m., along with fire dances, juggling, drumming, and traditional card games. There will also be over 70 entrepreneur stalls, a food court, artistic performances, and children’s games throughout the day.
The fair opens at noon with local entrepreneurs offering handmade and gourmet products. At 3 p.m., the Aiguá Municipal Band kicks off the music, followed by María Noel and Kike Lafourcade at 4 p.m. At 4:45 p.m., Le Pifié troupe presents the circus show “¡Hurra!”, perfect for the whole family. The most anticipated moment, the lighting of the bonfire, takes place at 5:35 p.m. with dusk. At 7:00 p.m., the folk dance group Taguató will take the stage, followed at 7:30 p.m. by the band Ñande. At 8:30 p.m., Los Sabrosos will perform, and at 9:45 p.m., Doble 5 Rock Band will get everyone dancing. The night rounds off with Mica Serrón, finalist of The Voice! Uruguay, at 10:45 p.m., and DJ Maurix at 11:30 p.m.
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind festival that brings together the best of tradition and culture!
Saint John in Florida
Florida will celebrate the traditional Saint John’s Eve with a variety of activities throughout the department, where bonfires, music, gastronomy, and traditions combine to create a unique experience. Below are the different options to enjoy this celebration:
Saint John’s Eve at Vieja Estancia Ranch
A special night at Vieja Estancia Ranch, featuring a bonfire, live music, and a unique experience. Saturday, June 21 at 8:00 p.m., at Camino Villa Vieja 104.500, Villa 25 de Mayo. For more info and reservations: 099 222 517.
Saint John’s Bonfire Night at San Pedro de Timote
The Bonfires of Saint John will be held at San Pedro de Timote with a special offer: book two nights and get a 10% off and late check-out at 4 p.m. The celebration runs from June 20 to 22. Contact: 091 635 019 or email reservas@sanpedrodetimote.com.
Saint John at Paso Severino
Paso Severino offers a 20% off on bed & breakfast accommodations from June 20 to 23. For more information, call 4330 9033 / 9250 or text 091 976 285 / 095 329 283.
Saint John’s Bonfire Night at Villa 25 de Agosto
On Monday, June 23, La Cocina de Ana will host a bonfire with platters and “queimada” from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., at 19 de Abril 516. Book now: 094 356 116.
Asamblea Diner
At Asamblea Diner, located at Batlle y Ordóñez 529, Florida, enjoy a community bonfire and mulled wine on the house with your dinner. Info and reservations: 091 243 460.
El Ceibo Ranch Inn
Located on a rural road between La Macana and San Jerónimo, El Ceibo offers a complete experience including a bonfire under the stars, mulled wine, homemade dinner, and lodging in a unique natural setting. Book now: 099 125 761.
Florida offers many options to enjoy the magic of Saint John by the fire!
