Semana Criolla Montevideo, Uruguay

This last week in Uruguay went by three names:

• Semana Santa, as its known in most of South America in celebration of Easter.
• Semana Tourismo, the secular government name for the week of vacation.
  
• Semana Criolla, a week of rodeo and crafts in Montevideo.
  

There are two Semana Criolla rodeos in Montevideo, one in Parque Roosevelt and the other in Prado. The images shown are of the rodeo at the Semana Criolla del Prado.

The broncos come off of a pole instead of out of a shoot like North American rodeos. The riding talent was incredible. In addition to the rodeo there was a craft fair and barbecue.

Good YouTube video of Semana Criolla gaucho's
(From 2007 Semana Criolla del Prado)

Semana Criolla brings Uruguay's countryside to the city. A Montevideo blogger wrote that seeing these men from the countryside made him want to abandon his computer terminal and head for the outdoors.

Gauchos carry large knives in the back of their belts for use as a ready tool (or weapon).

Aboard the Uruguayan Tall Ship Capitán Miranda

The 205’ schooner was originally launched in 1930 in Spain, and used as a cargo vessel. After WWII the ship traded in South America until she became a hydrographic vessel for the Uruguayan Navy.

In 1978 the Capitán Miranda was converted to a training ship for Uruguayan Navy officers. At that time she was retrofitted with modern masts and sail gear. The vessel makes regular around-the-world voyages taking samples of Uruguayan agricultural goods and wines to each port of call.

I was fortunate enough to spend an evening sailing aboard the Capitán Miranda March 7th off the shores of Punta del Este. The crew of the Capitán Miranda was friendly and generous with information about the ship. The evening sail was organized by the British Society of Uruguay.

Historic Play in Montevideo March 26th - 29th

The Drama of the River Plate, is an original stage play about the clash between the German battleship Graf Spee and three British warships in 1939. This historical play, which will be performed in English from Thursday 26 March to Saturday 28 March 2009 at 9pm and on Sunday 29 March at 7pm. The performances will be at the Millington-Drake Theatre, Anglo Centre, San José 1426. The play is written and directed by Jonathan Lamb and will be performed by the London Touring Theatre.

The following is translated from the invitation: “This year will be seventy years since the pocket battleship Graf Spee and three British warships clashed in what would be the first naval battle of World War II in December 1939. For a few days, the Uruguayan capital became the center of the world. But the real story of the battle lies in the character of a man: Hans Langsdorff, the captain of the Graf Spee. Who was this man galante and trepidation? Why come to Montevideo? In 'The Drama of the River Plate' Langsdorff back to life and explains his actions.”

For tickets call 902-7634 or 901-8819
The ticket price is a donation of 180 pesos in aid of www.actorstouruguay.com

The play is sponsored by Lloyds TSB and Lloyds Private Banking. With thanks to the Anglo, Italia Fausta and El País.