Repertoire and Collective Social Memory: The Celebration of Uruguayan Culture and History During Carnaval

Abstract

The Uruguayan Carnaval illustrates the use of repertoire form of memory and collective social memory due to the inclusion of both African and European cultures and the moments of suppression historically. Carnaval originated from the annual Christian celebration during the season of lent. The colonizers continued the tradition in South America in, roughly, the 18th century. Overtime, Uruguayans incorporated African and indigenous traditions in Carnaval, mirroring the evolving demographics of the region. The Uruguayan Carnaval is celebrated in Montevideo, the capital and cultural center of Uruguay. It is the longest Carnaval in the world, spanning a 40-day period of dancing, performing, parading, and playing music. [From Introduction]