International jazz festivals on the streets are already a tradition in Uruguay. For many years our neighbor has been demonstrating his passion for musical style, which was born in the mid-1900s in Louisiana – United States.
The great admiration for the rhythm is represented in several events of the genre throughout the year. The International Jazz Festival of Punta Del Este, which takes place in the luxurious resort of the same name, and the International Meeting of Musicians Jazz A La Calle, which takes place in Mercedes – city located in the department of Soriano, are the most traditional and bring great bands of the musical universe to the streets of the two cities, which in January turn into real stages in the open.

International Jazz Festival of Punta Del Este
Founded and idealized in 1996 by director Francisco Yobino, the Punta del Este Jazz Festival is in its 22nd edition. Under the musical direction of Cuban artist Paquito D’Rivera, the event takes place between January 4 and 7, 2018 and brings to the public avant-garde and contemporary bands of different nationalities.
It will be four days filled with entertainment and surprises. The presentations will be outdoors, starting at 8pm, at Finca El Sosiego. The place, with an indoor climate, is located in Punta Ballena and has free admission.

Jazz to the Street 2018 – Mercedes
Since 2007 it is held in Mercedes, a city with rich cultural history, the 11th International Meeting of Musicians Jazz a La Calle, annual festival that occurs religiously in the month of January. In all, there will be 140 Uruguayan, Argentinian, Brazilian, Cuban and American musicians who will take part in the free performances to the public.
The streets of the small town will be taken by the famous bands during the days 13 and 21 of January. The Festival has taken such proportions that the Uruguayan parliament has declared the city of Mercedes the “Official Capital of Uruguayan Jazz”, and today it moves the local economy and enchants the tourists, who move from different countries to enjoy the free spectacle.
Well known by jazz musicians, the two events are important references of the Latin American scene. The Ministry of Tourism of Uruguay, in addition to the local merchants, contributes each year to improve the structure of the festivals.

Photos: Reproduction