Montevideo Sets the Dates for the World’s Longest Carnival
URUGUAY · MONTEVIDEO
Key Facts
—The dates: Montevideo’s Carnaval 2026 opens with the inaugural parade on Thursday, January 22, along Avenida 18 de Julio.
—The Llamadas: The signature Llamadas parades take place on February 6 and 7 on Isla de Flores street.
—Registrations: Sign-ups have opened for neighbourhood corsos, and admission tests for the official contest run December 12 to 17 at the Teatro de Verano.
—The claim to fame: Uruguay’s carnival is the longest in the world, stretching across roughly 40 days.
Montevideo has set the calendar for Carnaval 2026, the world’s longest carnival, opening with the inaugural parade on January 22 and the Llamadas in early February, with registrations now under way.
A 40-day festival takes shape
Montevideo’s carnival, the longest in the world, will open with its inaugural parade on Avenida 18 de Julio on January 22, followed by the samba-school parade the next day. The city has confirmed the full calendar.
The Llamadas, the drum-driven parades rooted in Uruguay’s Afro-Uruguayan candombe tradition, run on February 6 and 7 along Isla de Flores.
Registrations are open
Sign-ups have begun for the neighbourhood corsos, and the admission tests for the Official Carnival Contest will be held December 12 to 17 at the Teatro de Verano.
For residents and visitors, the early calendar makes it easier to plan around Latin America’s longest carnival season.
Background: our rio carnival guide.
More: Uruguay news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
Frequently asked questions
When is Montevideo’s Carnaval 2026?
The inaugural parade is on January 22, 2026, with the Llamadas parades on February 6 and 7.
Why is it called the world’s longest carnival?
Uruguay’s carnival stretches across roughly 40 days, longer than any other.
Are registrations open?
Yes, sign-ups have opened for neighbourhood corsos, with official-contest admission tests December 12 to 17.
Connected Coverage
Part of a full expat season across the region, alongside Guadalajara’s Festival Gigante and Costa Rica’s festival line-up.
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