What Is Third Day of Tourism Week?
The Third Day of Tourism Week refers to a specific day within Uruguay’s annual “Semana del Turismo,” which translates to “Tourism Week.” It is not a standalone holiday with unique traditions but rather a part of a larger national observance. This week is a significant period for domestic travel and leisure within the country.
Uruguay formally designated the Christian Holy Week (Semana Santa) as “Semana del Turismo” or “Semana Criolla” (Creole Week) in the early 20th century. This re-naming aimed to promote national identity and tourism, shifting focus from religious observance to cultural and recreational activities. The Third Day of Tourism Week therefore represents the third calendar day of this officially recognised period.
History and Origins of Third Day of Tourism Week
The concept of Tourism Week in Uruguay dates back to a period of secularisation and state-building in the early 20th century. In 1919, the Uruguayan government formally enacted legislation to secularise several traditional Catholic holidays. This included the rebranding of “Semana Santa” (Holy Week) as “Semana del Turismo” (Tourism Week) or “Semana Criolla” (Creole Week).
This redefinition allowed the government to maintain a national holiday period, facilitating rest and domestic travel, while officially separating it from its religious connotations. The intention was to encourage citizens to explore their own country and participate in national cultural events. The “Third Day” of this week simply became an integral part of this newly structured annual observance, lacking individual historical distinction apart from its position within the week.
How Third Day of Tourism Week Is Celebrated
As the Third Day of Tourism Week is part of a larger observance, its celebration is integrated into the activities spanning the entire week. There are no specific customs or rituals exclusively observed on this particular day. Instead, Uruguayans participate in a range of activities characteristic of the broader Semana del Turismo.
National Activities during Tourism Week
Throughout Tourism Week, a significant portion of the Uruguayan population travels within the country. Popular destinations include coastal resorts, such as Punta del Este, and thermal springs in the interior. Many families also gather for meals and social events. Cultural festivities, notably the “Semana Criolla” events, take place, featuring traditional horsemanship, rodeos, folk music, and local gastronomy. These events often draw large crowds, offering a celebration of Uruguayan rural culture.
When Is Third Day of Tourism Week?
The Third Day of Tourism Week falls within Uruguay’s Semana del Turismo, an observance whose dates are variable each year. This is because Semana del Turismo is historically linked to the dates of Christian Holy Week (Semana Santa) and Easter.
Easter is a moveable feast, determined by a lunisolar calendar calculation, meaning it does not fall on the same Gregorian calendar date each year. Consequently, Tourism Week, and therefore its Third Day, typically occurs in late March or early April. The exact date is announced annually based on the determination of Easter Sunday.
Third Day of Tourism Week Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Observance (within a national holiday week) |
| Date | Variable (typically late March or April) |
| Countries | 1 (Uruguay) |
| Also known as | Part of Semana del Turismo, Semana Santa, Semana Criolla |
| Calendar system | Gregorian (though tied to Easter’s lunisolar calculation) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Third Day of Tourism Week?
The Third Day of Tourism Week is a component day of Uruguay's broader 'Semana del Turismo' (Tourism Week). This national observance promotes domestic travel and a variety of cultural and recreational activities across the country.
When does the Third Day of Tourism Week occur?
It occurs annually within the Semana del Turismo, which typically aligns with the dates of Christian Holy Week or Easter. As such, its specific date varies each year, falling in either March or April.
Is the Third Day of Tourism Week a public holiday in Uruguay?
The Third Day of Tourism Week itself is not designated as a separate public holiday. However, the entire Semana del Turismo period in Uruguay often encompasses public holidays, providing an extended break for citizens.