Afro-Descendants in Argentina and Uruguay

 

 

We have separated our project into three themes:

 

 

1. Historical overview of African descendants in Argentina and Uruguay

2. Legislation in Argentina and Uruguay

3. Candombe as a sign of active participation

 

This separation of themes allows for an analytical critique of the realities of Afro-descendant communities in Argentina and Uruguay, both of which credit their origins to mainly white European migrations.

 

 

Historical Overview

 

In this section we highlight the presence and participation of African descendants in key historical events in Argentina and Uruguay since the beginning of the European invasion. Our historical description is not intended as a detailed account of the events that shaped these societies. Rather, it is to create a general overview and a wider context for understanding the myths and truths of how both nations were built, and the impacts of their Afro-descendant populations. This description extends to recent events showing a radical change within these societies. The changes are evident in legislative reforms which seek to recognize the presence of people of African descent and their importance and active participation in the construction of both Argentina and Uruguay.

 

 

International Legislation and Laws that Promote the Participation of African Communities in Uruguay and Argentina

 

In this portion we want to relate international standards that have been taken on as public policy in Argentina and Uruguay to address racism and discrimination against Afro-descendants. We also include certain legislative reforms which have been implemented in recent decades in order to give a space for social and political participation of Afro-descendants in both countries.

 

 

Candombe As a Sign of Active Participation

In this section we aim to show the evolution of candombe, a musical rhythm of African origins that forms an integral part of Uruguayan culture. We will focus on the development of candombe in Montevideo, because this is still the main stage of Carnival and a majority of the Afro-Uruguayan population lives there today. We will present a brief overview of the origins, history, and present day influence of candombe, presenting the rhythm that is still danced in Carnival. We will also compare the significance of candombe in the Argentine and Uruguayan cultures, and determine why the importance of candombe in Uruguay is still felt so strongly, while it has a much smaller influence in Argentina.