Afrouruguayos | |
---|---|
Total population | |
255,074 [1] | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Montevideo (Barrio Sur and Palermo) | |
Languages | |
Rioplatense Spanish, Portuñol | |
Religion | |
| |
Related ethnic groups | |
Other Afro-Latin Americans |
Afro-Uruguayans are Uruguayans of predominantly African descent. The majority of Afro-Uruguayans are in Montevideo. [3] [4] People of African descent first started arriving to Uruguay during Spanish colonization, which imported many as slaves. [4] Following the abolition of slavery in the mid-19th century, Afro-Uruguayans continued to face widespread discrimination. [4] Afro-Uruguayan groups seeking political advancement first began to organize in the 1930s. [4] Throughout the late 20th century and early 21st century, various organizations have arisen to combat racism in Uruguay, and promote Afro-Uruguayan culture. [4] Afro-Uruguayans remain largely economically disadvantaged, and primarily work in the manufacturing, construction, and domestic help industries. [3] : 12 [4]
Afro-Uruguayan culture, including song and dance, is showcased prominently in Uruguayan Carnival celebrations. [3] : 11 [4]
The term "Afro-Uruguayans" has been deemed problematic by some. [5] Critics of the term say it diminishes relations of these individuals in black communities and is much too specific because of mixed cultures. [5] [ clarification needed ] To strengthen the connections between black communities back in the 1800s, "Orientals" is more fitting in regards to modern-day Uruguay, rather than "Afro-Uruguayans" because of lands history and origin. [5] [ clarification needed ]
The region of Uruguay has a complex history of militias and military action. Colonial militia service went hand in hand with slave enrollment during wars of independence. These militias, specifically the colonial Black militias centered in the Rio de la Plata had opened themselves to the idea of taking in slaves to strengthen their military, meaning both free and enslaved men of African descent fought together in battles after 1810. [5] The gain of slaves allowed the addition of people, mixing races, ideals and class levels. Black recruits within the militia had mixed thoughts on the military, some soldiers seeing the military as a burden versus black officers seeing potential in the militias. The new recruits taken in, in the form of slaves provided more soldiers that would be fighting for Uruguay on foot. The slaves involved in these militias, also called "citizen-soldiers" were able to defend their rights and gain some freedom through their service. This new form of freedom allowed enslaved and free men alike to create black communities, where soldiers would create identities and be one with society. Slave ships bringing over soldiers brewed collected identities to interact with one another and create social networks. These networks allowed Africans and their descendants to push against domination within the Spanish Regime. [5] All men strong enough and of African descent were impacted by the military regardless to if they were already in a battalion or an emerging battalion. Men of color who were free were sometime forced to serve along white men before 1841 [5] Even with the pressure of the military some Africans willingly joined militias before slavery was abolished.
Black communities in these Militias allowed Africans to feel a sense of belonging and helping them ease into colonial societies such as the Republic of Uruguay. Up till 1830, black soldiers were responsible for the establishment and creation of the first professional Uruguayan infantry, only to be followed by all African men of ancestry being added into the army of Guerra Grande from 1839 to 1852 and freed. [5] With the freedom of slaves, unlike before, where black soldiers were commanded by white officers, now, anyone from black battalions could participate in military networks. Black militia officers gained legal privileges and contributed in national politics because of the ban on slavery. Along with the anti slavery laws set in Uruguay, any newly arrived slaves would be freed and be reintroduced as "African colonist". As new recruits of black soldiers flowed in, the freed individuals were able to connect more with commanders and people in units and create social strategies in these new formations. The building of Uruguay and its success hinges mainly on its military, the black militias and their actions based on African-born population [5] In the second half of the 18th Century after the abolishment of slavery, a war in the Río de la Plata deployed free black militias. These militias were spread from Paraguay to Montevideo [5] African troops were ordered to march beside the Spanish to fight the Guaraní missions on the Uruguay River. Over this mass of land, the Militia service hosted opportunities for isolated black populations to make contact and create bonds with the militias. These interactions allowed more men to join and prolong the development of these associations. African influence in the military was vast, and the militias took in these traditions to celebrate and honor African culture.
The Day of Kings was a celebration portrayed by Africans and was heavily influenced by the Catholic religion and how it was mixed with African ideals. African traditions were incorporated into the Military uniforms and flag of Uruguay to capture the sense of community and the value of culture. This furthered the sense of belonging in these militias, where African battalions could highlight their military role in the founding of the nation. [5]
During the 1930s, Afro-Uruguayan intellectuals founded the Partido Autoctono Negro (PAN) to elect Afro-Uruguayans to legislative bodies. [4] However, the party largely failed, as most Afro-Uruguayans rejected the idea of a race-based party, and instead voted for the two mainstream political parties. [4] Around this time, the Asociación Cultural y Social del Uruguay Negro was established. [4]
In the 1980s, Mundo Afro , another sizeable Afro-Uruguayan organization, was founded. [4]
At the beginning of the 21st century there are some Nigerians, [6] Cameroonians, Senegalese and other African immigrants. [7] Additionally, in the border region in the north of the country with Brazil Afro-Brazilians have become an increasingly large part of the population. [8]
Department | Rank | % Afro-Uruguayans [9] |
---|---|---|
Rivera | 1 | 17.3% |
Artigas | 2 | 17.1% |
Cerro Largo | 3 | 10.9% |
Salto | 4 | 9.9% |
Tacurembo | 5 | 9.9% |
Montevideo | 6 | 9.0% |
Treinta y Tres | 7 | 8.0% |
Canelones | 8 | 7.5% |
Rocha | 9 | 7.2% |
Río Negro | 10 | 6.8% |
Durazno | 11 | 6.3% |
San José | 12 | 5.7% |
Maldonado | 13 | 5.3% |
Florida | 14 | 4.8% |
Lavalleja | 15 | 4.4% |
Paysandú | 16 | 4.4% |
Flores | 17 | 3.6% |
Soriano | 18 | 3.3% |
Colonia | 19 | 3.0% |
Afro-Uruguayans have made significant contributions to Uruguayan culture, including in the fields of music, dance, art, and writing. [4] A number of words in Uruguayan Spanish originate from the country's Afro-Uruguayan community. [3] : 12
Candombe is a style of music and dance that originated in Uruguay among the descendants of liberated African slaves. In 2009, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed candombe in its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. [10]
To a lesser extent, candombe is practiced in Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. In Argentina, it can be found in Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, Paraná, and Corrientes. In Paraguay, this tradition continues in Camba Cuá and in Fernando de la Mora near Asunción. In Brazil, candombe retains its religious character and can be found in the states of Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul.
This Uruguayan music style is based on three different drums: chico, repique, and piano drums. It is usually played in February during carnival in Montevideo at dance parades called llamadas and desfile inaugural del carnaval.Afro-Uruguayan cuisine refers to the culinary traditions of the Afro-Uruguayans. The cuisine is influenced by the African heritage of the community, as well as the local ingredients and cooking techniques of Uruguay. While specific dishes may vary, here are a few examples of Afro-Uruguayan food:
Mandioca: Also known as cassava or yuca, mandioca is a staple in Afro-Uruguayan cuisine. It is often boiled, fried, or used to make a traditional dish called "mazamorra," which is a thick porridge made from cassava flour.
Mondongo: This is a hearty soup made from tripe (the lining of a cow's stomach) and various vegetables. Mondongo is seasoned with spices and often served with cornbread or rice.
Asado negro: This dish is a variation of the popular Uruguayan barbecue, known as "asado." Asado negro features marinated beef, cooked slowly until it develops a rich, dark crust. It is usually accompanied by chimichurri sauce and served with traditional sides like potatoes or salad.
Dulce de batata: This is a sweet treat made from sweet potatoes. The potatoes are boiled until tender, mashed, and then cooked with sugar until thickened. The result is a delicious paste that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a filling for pastries and desserts.
These are just a few examples of Afro-Uruguayan food. The cuisine is diverse and has influences from both African and Uruguayan culinary traditions, creating a unique fusion of flavors and ingredients.
There is an Afro-Uruguayan trend within the feminist movement. [11]
An African American is a citizen or resident of the United States who has origins in any of the black populations of Africa. African American-related topics include:
Candombe is a style of music and dance that originated in Uruguay among the descendants of liberated African slaves. In 2009, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed candombe in its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In the context of the history of slavery in the Americas, free people of color were primarily people of mixed African, European, and Native American descent who were not enslaved. However, the term also applied to people born free who were primarily of black African descent with little mixture. They were a distinct group of free people of color in the French colonies, including Louisiana and in settlements on Caribbean islands, such as Saint-Domingue (Haiti), St. Lucia, Dominica, Guadeloupe, and Martinique. In these territories and major cities, particularly New Orleans, and those cities held by the Spanish, a substantial third class of primarily mixed-race, free people developed. These colonial societies classified mixed-race people in a variety of ways, generally related to visible features and to the proportion of African ancestry. Racial classifications were numerous in Latin America.
Afro–Latin Americans or Black Latin Americans are Latin Americans of sub-Saharan African heritage. African heritage is common throughout Latin America.
The culture of Uruguay is diverse since the nation's population is one of multicultural origins. Modern Uruguayan culture is known to be heavily European influenced, mostly by the contribution of its alternating conquerors, Italy, Spain and Portugal, and from the large numbers of immigrants who arrived in the country from the 19th century onwards.
Afro-Brazilians are an ethno-racial group consisting of Brazilians with predominantly or total Sub-Saharan African ancestry, these stand out for having dark skin. Most multiracial Brazilians also have a range of degree of African ancestry. Brazilians whose African features are more evident are generally seen by others as Blacks and may identify themselves as such, while the ones with less noticeable African features may not be seen as such. However, Brazilians rarely use the term "Afro-Brazilian" as a term of ethnic identity and never in informal discourse.
Black Peruvians or Afro-Peruvians are Peruvians of mostly or partially African descent. They mostly descend from enslaved Africans brought to Peru after the arrival of the conquistadors.
Afro-Dominicans are Dominicans of predominant or total Sub-Saharan African ancestry. They are a minority in the country representing 7.5% or 642,018 of the population, according to the 2022 census.
Africanisms refers to characteristics of African culture that can be traced through societal practices and institutions of the African diaspora. Throughout history, the dispersed descendants of Africans have retained many forms of their ancestral African culture. Also, common throughout history is the misunderstanding of these remittances and their meanings. The term usually refers to the cultural and linguistic practices of West and Central Africans who were transported to the Americas during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Africanisms have influenced the cultures of diverse countries in North and South America and the Caribbean through language, music, dance, food, animal husbandry, medicine, and folklore.
Afro–Puerto Ricans, most commonly known as Afroboricuas, but also occasionally referred to as Afroborinqueños,Afroborincanos, or Afropuertorros, are Puerto Ricans of full or partial sub-Saharan African origin, who are predominately the descendants of slaves, freedmen, and free Blacks original to West and Central Africa. The term Afro-Puerto Rican is also used to refer to historical or cultural elements in Puerto Rican society associated with this community, including music, language, cuisine, art, and religion.
Afro-Argentines, also known as Black Argentines, are Argentines who have predominantly or total Sub-Saharan African ancestry. The Afro-Argentine population is the result of people being brought over during the transatlantic slave trade during the centuries of Spanish domination in the region and immigration.
African Americans fought on both sides the American Revolution, the Patriot cause for independence as well as in the British army, in order to achieve their freedom from enslavement. It is estimated that 20,000 African Americans joined the British cause, which promised freedom to enslaved people, as Black Loyalists. About half that number, an estimated 9,000 African Americans, became Black Patriots.
Afro-Bolivians, also known as Black Bolivians, are Bolivians who have predominantly or total Sub-Saharan African ancestry and therefore the descriptive "Afro-Bolivian" may refer to historical or cultural elements in Bolivia thought to emanate from their community. It can also refer to the combining of African and other cultural elements found in Bolivian society such as religion, music, language, the arts, and class culture. The Afro-Bolivians are recognized as one of the constituent ethnic groups of Bolivia by the country's government, and are ceremonially led by a king who traces his descent back to a line of monarchs that reigned in Africa during the medieval period. They numbered 23,000 according to the 2012 census.
Afro-Chileans are Chilean people of African descent. They may be descendants of slaves who were brought to Chile via the trans-Atlantic slave trade, or recent migrants from other parts of Latin America, the Caribbean or Africa.
Afro-Mexicans, also known as Black Mexicans, are Mexicans who have heritage from sub-Saharan Africa and identify as such. As a single population, Afro-Mexicans include individuals descended from both free and enslaved Africans who arrived to Mexico during the colonial era, as well as post-independence migrants. This population includes Afro-descended people from neighboring English, French, and Spanish-speaking countries of the Caribbean and Central America, descendants of enslaved Africans in Mexico and those from the Deep South during Slavery in the United States, and to a lesser extent recent migrants directly from Africa. Today, there are localized communities in Mexico with significant although not predominant African ancestry. These are mostly concentrated in specific communities, including populations in the states of Oaxaca, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Veracruz.
Afro-Venezuelans, also known as Black Venezuelans, are Venezuelans who have predominantly or total Sub-Saharan African ancestry. Afro-Venezuelans are mostly descendants of enslaved Africans brought to the Western Hemisphere during the Atlantic slave trade. This term also sometimes refers to the combining of African and other cultural elements found in Venezuelan society such as the arts, traditions, music, religion, race, and language.
Afro Salvadorans are Salvadorans of Sub-Saharan African descent. They are the descendants of slaves brought to El Salvador via the Trans-atlantic slave trade during the colonial Spanish era.
Afro-Hondurans or Black Hondurans are Hondurans of Sub-Saharan African descent. Research by Henry Louis Gates and other sources regards their population to be around 1-2%. They descended from: enslaved Africans by the Spanish, as well as those who were enslaved from the West Indies and identify as Creole peoples, and the Garifuna who descend from exiled zambo Maroons from Saint Vincent. The Creole people were originally from Jamaica and other Caribbean islands, while the Garifuna people were originally from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Garifunas arrived in the late seventeen hundreds and the Creole peoples arrived during the eighteen hundreds. About 600,000 Hondurans are of Garífuna descent that are a mix of African and indigenous as of Afro Latin Americans. Honduras has one of the largest African community in Latin America.
Afro-Paraguayans are Paraguayans who have predominantly or total Sub-Saharan African ancestry. They can be found in Camba Cua outside Asuncion; Kamba Kokue outside Paraguari, and the city of Emboscada.