Afro-Uruguayans

Afro-Uruguayans
Afrouruguayos
Afro-Uruguayans dancing in Candombe festival.
Total population
255,074[1]
Regions with significant populations
Montevideo (Barrio Sur and Palermo)
Languages
Rioplatense Spanish, Portuñol
Religion
[2]
Related ethnic groups
Other Afro-Latin Americans

Afro-Uruguayans are Uruguayans of predominantly African descent. The majority of Afro-Uruguayans are in Montevideo.[3][4] People of African descent first started arriving to Uruguay during Spanish colonization, which imported many as slaves.[4] Following the abolition of slavery in the mid-19th century, Afro-Uruguayans continued to face widespread discrimination.[4] Afro-Uruguayan groups seeking political advancement first began to organize in the 1930s.[4] Throughout the late 20th century and early 21st century, various organizations have arisen to combat racism in Uruguay, and promote Afro-Uruguayan culture.[4] Afro-Uruguayans remain largely economically disadvantaged, and primarily work in the manufacturing, construction, and domestic help industries.[3]: 12 [4]

Afro-Uruguayan culture, including song and dance, is showcased prominently in Uruguayan Carnival celebrations.[3]: 11 [4]

  1. ^ "La población afro-uruguaya en el Censo 2011" (in Spanish). 7 March 2021. Archived from the original on 18 November 2020.
  2. ^ Project, Joshua. "Afro-Uruguayan in Uruguay". joshuaproject.net. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
  3. ^ a b c Felipe Arocena. "The contribution of immigrants to Uruguay" (PDF) (in Spanish). multiculturalismoenuruguay.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 6 March 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "Afro-Uruguayans in Uruguay". Minority Rights Group. Retrieved 2024-06-03.