Uruguay National Day

Uruguay National Day

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  1. 1825Declaration of Independence
  2. 1828Independence recognised
  3. 1830First constitution adopted

The story behind the day

Uruguay celebrates Independence Day on 25 August, marking the 1825 declaration by the Thirty-Three Orientals against Brazilian rule. Full recognition followed in 1828.

The holiday links Uruguay's national story to the wider conflicts between Spanish, Portuguese, Brazilian and Argentine power in the Río de la Plata.

Today Montevideo and towns across the country mark the day with flags, official ceremonies, school events, music and family meals. Winter gives it a more civic and reflective mood than a summer festival.

  1. 202625 August 2026 · Tuesday
  2. 202725 August 2027 · Wednesday
  3. 202825 August 2028 · Friday
The flag
Uruguay flag

The Uruguayan flag has nine blue-and-white stripes and the Sun of May in the canton. The stripes represent the original departments, while the sun links Uruguay to the independence symbolism of the Río de la Plata.

Uruguayan independence food is asado — like their Argentine neighbours but with their own cuts and traditions — alongside chivito sandwiches and the mate gourd that never leaves a Uruguayan's hand.

What to eat

AsadoUruguayan barbecue — tira de asado ribs, chorizo and morcilla over wood coals, slower and more relaxed than Argentine asado.
ChivitoUruguay's national sandwich — thin steak, ham, mozzarella, egg, bacon, olives and vegetables in a bun. A meal in itself.
MilanesaBreaded fried beef escalope — as beloved in Uruguay as in Argentina, eaten with chips or in a sandwich.
Torta fritasFried dough rounds — crispy outside, chewy inside, eaten on rainy days with mate as a Uruguayan comfort tradition.
Dulce de lecheCaramelised condensed milk — Uruguay and Argentina dispute its invention; spread on everything from toast to facturas pastries.
Pasta frolaQuince jam lattice tart — the traditional Sunday afternoon dessert in Uruguayan households.

What to drink

MateYerba mate drunk from a gourd with a metal straw — more of an obsession in Uruguay than anywhere; people carry thermoses everywhere.
Tannat wineUruguay's signature red grape — full-bodied, tannic and increasingly recognised internationally from the Canelones region.
ClericóWhite wine with seasonal fruit — Uruguay's summer punch served cold at outdoor gatherings.
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Culture on National Day

Uruguay is South America's most progressive and stable democracy — the first to legalise cannabis, same-sex marriage and abortion. Its culture is secular, European in character and built around football, carnival and the mate gourd.

Montevideo CarnivalThe longest carnival in the world at 40+ days — murga choral groups satirise politics and society in elaborate costume.
Football (Fútbol)Uruguay won the first two World Cups in 1930 and 1950 — extraordinary for a country of 3.5 million and a source of immense national pride.
Mate cultureThe mate gourd is carried everywhere in Uruguay — sharing mate with strangers is the definitive Uruguayan social act.
José Artigas heritageThe national hero José Artigas fought for independence and federal democracy — his mausoleum in Plaza Independencia is the central monument.