Uruguay celebrates its bicentennial with a concert by Rubén Rada for the world

On August 25, Uruguay will celebrate 200 years since its Declaration of Independence with an event that transcends borders: a concert by Rubén Rada designed to reach all Uruguayans, wherever they may be. The initiative, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be shared worldwide in embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions.

The broadcast will also be available in strategic international promotion venues, such as the Uruguay pavilion at Expo Universal Osaka 2025, where the musician will send a special video greeting to the audience, and on Uruguay Day in São Paulo, which will take place on August 28 at the city’s Municipal Chamber, with cultural, gastronomic, and business networking activities.

Country Brand Ambassador

Accompanied by a band of 18 musicians, Rada will perform songs steeped in memory and affection. The concert is part of an effort to bring Uruguayans living abroad closer to the Bicentennial celebration, conveying a message of unity and belonging beyond borders.

“I lived abroad for 25 years, and we really missed Uruguay. I missed it so much that I came back every year. So I want to show people that we are all Uruguayans, even those of us who live abroad,” Rada told the press.

A multifaceted artist, composer, singer, and percussionist, Rubén Rada is a pioneer in the fusion of candombe with rock and beat music. This genre revolutionized the cultural scene in the 1960s and 1970s. His albums “Montevideo” and “Montevideo II” opened the doors of Uruguayan music to markets such as Japan, France, Italy, Germany, and the United States.

Distinguished with Graffiti and Gardel Awards and international recognitions such as the “Honorary Degree of Master of Latin Music” from Berklee College of Music and the Latin Grammy Award for Musical Excellence, Rada is a symbol of innovation, artistic quality, and global projection.

In his role as Brand Ambassador for Uruguay, he brings to the world his music and the values of creativity, diversity, and talent that distinguish the country. His participation in the Bicentennial celebration reinforces the image of Uruguay, which is open to the world, with a vibrant culture and an identity that it is proud to share.

An event for all Uruguayans

Rada’s concert will be broadcast live at embassies and consulates, and can be viewed on the Foreign Ministry’s YouTube channel. In Uruguay, the broadcast will be on Tuesday, August 26, at 9:00 p.m. on Canal 5 (Channel 5).

In this way, Rada’s music will serve as a bridge between generations, territories, and the hearts of Uruguayans, who will celebrate 200 years of independence together, albeit from a distance.