The Uruguayan murga is unique and in the last decades it has become a cultural manifestation that gathers followers all over the world.
The murga is one of the greatest expressions of Uruguayan culture due to its popular support. Although it is identified as one of its origins in Cadiz, (especially since 1908), they have had countless transformations since the late nineteenth century.
Murgas have always performed a wide range of musical rhythms, among them “marcha camión”, in which candombe percussion rhythms are identified. In terms of costumes and make-up, there are links with other European artistic expressions.
The Uruguayan murga is currently made up of 17 members: a stage and choral director, 13 members of the choir or “cuerda de voces”, divided according to their tone of voice, and 3 members who make up the “batería”, made up of cymbals, bass drum and redoblante.
In the last decades its integration is mixed. The so-called “young murgas” have revitalized the staging and the scenic movement, just as in other times there were murgas that marked the innovations in the shows of each historical moment.
The presentations of the murgas that tour stages, “tablados”, public and private, either in public or private The performances of the murgas that tour stages, “tablados”, public and private, either in Montevideo or in the interior of the country, bring to the stage lyrics with humor, satire and criticism of the present, using multiple choral arrangements, flashy costumes and creative make-up.
The carnival is born from the neighborhoods and most of them have a murga to encourage, support or follow, either in the parades or in the official contests, which have qualifying juries that award prizes and mentions.
The rehearsals are open to the public, which allows entire families to memorize and sing their repertoires. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular expressions of culture.
In Montevideo, the Carnival Museum can be visited throughout the year. There, the memory of this celebration, part of the national history, is exhibited. Thousands of visitors who came to the country outside the carnival season, managed in its rooms, capture the seduction of the carnival of Uruguay and proposed to come to enjoy it and share it with the carnival people as hosts.