The town of Tacuarembo is where the gaucho makes his last stand. Even now in the age of ipads and twitter the folks in Tacuarembo treasure the simpler times when the Gaucho roamed Uruguay.
Tacuarembo’s commitment to history is embodied in their annual celebration Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha. Held every year since 1985, the first week of March is dedicated to the search of the quintessential Gaucho environment. Groups from all over the country arrive days earlier to set up their “towns”, complete with a general store, a blacksmith or a police station with a small town built around it. Everything is built with materials that would have been available at the time. Once the festival starts the members of these Gaucho communities go about their days as they would have hundreds of years ago in their typical garb, singing and dancing and sipping mate but most importantly, riding horses.
There are many different horse riding competitions and horse shows with participants coming from all over Uruguay and even Argentina and Brazil. Arts and crafts also make an important appearance here. The artisans stick around until late at night crafting and selling beautiful, unique and authentic native and gaucho artwork. For a historical overview of Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha click here.
Another attraction in Tacuarembo is the Museo Del Indio y Del Gaucho. From the outside it looks like an old historical home. Once you walk inside you step into culture school. The wooden sculptures and the displays of old style Indian and Gaucho tools and weapons and intricate metal work are mere shadows of Gaucho culture. Tacuarembo is committed to preserving what’s left of their culture and passing on to younger generations.
A visit to Tacuarembo offers a unique and refreshing view of Uruguay culture and customs. Visit Tacuarembo any time but if at all possible visit the Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha and experience Gaucho culture like never before!
Loved Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha? Tell us about your experience in our comment section!
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