With only 3.5 million inhabitants, Uruguay is one of the countries with the most positive image abroad in all Latin America. The tiny nation enjoys a somewhat stable economy, coupled with politics characterized by civility between opposing forces. It is also where church and state have the most defined separation in the region. But besides not having holy images or crucifixes in public offices, or politicians with ultra-religious discourses, Uruguay barely celebrates Christmas. In fact, in Montevideo, you’re more likely to see someone smoking weed on the street than dressing as Santa Claus.
In the early 20th century, when Latin American countries were still establishing themselves as independent nations, Uruguay chose to avoid religious observances when deciding on its calendar. Since then, December 25 is not even a holiday, and it goes by the name of “Family Day,” as opposed to Christmas. In addition to not celebrating the birth...
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