International Women’s Day in Montevideo
Candombe is a drumming style derived from African rhythms, and it plays a major role in Montevideo’s carnaval. Traditionally it was…
We celebrate at the intersection of Isla de Flores and Santiago de Chile, where the all-women’s candombe group, La Melaza organizes an annual llamada or procession, in celebration of International Women’s Day. Candombe is a drumming style derived from African rhythms, and it plays a major role in Montevideo’s carnaval. Traditionally it was developed by AfroUruguayan men, but over the years candombe groups have incorporated anyone who wants to drum, including, more recently, women. Candombe teams practice throughout the year and compete through January and February, leading up to final competitions for carnival. La Melaza follows up their carnaval participation by calling on all women who drum to come together for a procession in honor of women.
The poster for the event called for women to wear white. As we arrived, with people streaming in from all directions, the drums were already lined up in the street, surrounded by women in white, and the anticipation was palpable. Enjoy, as we did, the sights and sounds of Women’s Day at Isla de Flores and Santiago de Chile. It was loud and lively.
