Uruguay's Unique Transformation: From Holy Week to Tourism Celebration

Want the full story?
Read the complete article at KVIA
AI Summary
In Uruguay, the traditional Holy Week has been officially renamed 'Semana de Turismo' for over a century, reflecting a significant secular shift in the country. This change began in 1919 when religious holidays were secularized, leading to the establishment of various cultural events like Semana Criolla and Semana de la Cerveza. While Christianity remains the predominant faith, with Easter festivities still celebrated, the legal recognition of these holidays as secular has positioned Uruguay as a unique case in Latin America, where 37% of the population identifies as non-religious. This transformation highlights Uruguay's ongoing efforts to separate church and state, making it a subject of academic interest.
Key Details: • Semana de Turismo has been the official name since 1919. • Cultural events like Semana Criolla and Semana de la Cerveza are popular during this week. • 37% of Uruguayans identify as non-religious, the highest in Latin America.