📅 holiday

Uruguay Independence Day

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

— days to go

Rebellion against Spain. Under the leadership of José Gervasio Artigas, Uruguay started its rebellion against Spanish rule, which marked the beginning of Uruguay's struggle for independence

History

Uruguay's independence from Spain was declared on August 25, 1828, following years of conflict and diplomatic negotiations. The territory of Uruguay was originally inhabited by indigenous Charrua people before Spanish colonization in the early 17th century. During the early 19th century, Uruguay became caught between Spanish and Portuguese imperial ambitions, and later Brazilian forces. The struggle for independence was led by José Gervasio Artigas, who organized guerrilla forces against Spanish rule beginning in 1811. After multiple failed attempts at independence and periods of Brazilian and Portuguese control, Uruguay finally achieved sovereignty through the Treaty of Montevideo in 1828, brokered by the United Kingdom. August 25 is celebrated as Independence Day, commemorating the nation's emergence as an independent republic after decades of colonial struggle and regional conflict.

How It's Celebrated

Celebrate by learning more about the occasion, sharing on social media with relevant hashtags, participating in community events, or taking small personal actions that align with the day's theme.

Countries

🇺🇷 UR

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🌍 observance Jan 6

Uruguay Children's

Origin of Ephiphany. The Ephiphany holiday has biblical origins, marking the visit of the three Wise Men to baby Jesus, dating back to the 4th century

USUR

🎉 festival Feb 15

Uruguay Carnival

Uruguay Carnival (Carnaval de Uruguay) is the longest carnival celebration in the world, typically extending for over 40 days from late January through early March. Centered in the capital city of Montevideo and celebrated throughout the country, Uruguayan Carnival is a vibrant fusion of African, Indigenous, and European cultural traditions that reflects the nation's diverse heritage. Unlike the more widely known Brazilian Carnival, Uruguay's celebration is distinguished by its unique emphasis on musical theater competitions, particularly the desfile de llamadas (call parade) featuring candombe drumming, and the tablados, which are neighborhood stages where comparsas (performance groups) present elaborate musical and theatrical shows. Candombe, a musical style with deep African roots characterized by its distinctive three-drum rhythm, is the heartbeat of Uruguayan Carnival and has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The festival involves hundreds of thousands of participants across dozens of comparsas, murga groups, and humorists.

USUR

🌍 observance Jul 18

Uruguay Constitution

Declaration. Uruguay declares its independence from Brazil, paving the way for the creation of its first constitution

BRUR

📅 holiday Nov 30

St Andrew's Day

Saint Andrew’s Day is celebrated every 30 November in Scotland. The day celebrates the Feast of Saint Andrew and is also considered Scotland’s National Day. In 2026, Saint Andrew's Day falls on Monday 30 November. The holiday will be on Tuesday 30 November in 2027. *Please refer to this note for Scotland-specific information. This patron saint day was declared a bank holiday in 2006 by the Scottish Parliament although banks are not required to close if they do not wish to. If 30 November occurs on a weekend, the bank holiday is moved to the following Monday. Saint Andrew is notable in that he was one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus Christ and was also the brother of Saint Peter. Before following Jesus, Andrew was a fisherman. He was born at Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee. The main colour you will see in Scotland on Saint Andrew’s Day is the white diagonal cross on blue background of the Scottish flag – the Saltire. This is the Saint Andrew’s cross, and represents the shape of the cross on which Saint Andrew was said to have been crucified. The history of the Scottish link to Saint Andrew goes back as far as 832AD when Óengus II promised God that if the Scots and Picts were victorious in battle against the Angles he would make Saint Andrew the patron saint of Scotland. And they were. Saint Andrew’s Day’s amazing menus include cullen skink (haddock and potato soup), highland venison casseroles, potted hough (shin) with mustard sauce and Scottish tablet (a very sweet treat). Events around Scotland include flag ceremonies, the Shindig in George Square of Glasgow that features live music, and local celebrations in the town of Saint Andrews in the Kingdom of Fife. There is also free entry to many of Scotland’s castles and attractions on the day. Scotland has a free Saint Andrew’s Day app available for iPhone and Android with Scottish and worldwide events, menu ideas and much more.