During the colonial period in Uruguay, African slaves were brought to the country to work in various industries, including agriculture, mining, and livestock farming. Many of these slaves were housed in what was known as the “Barrio Sur,” which was located outside the city walls of Montevideo.

Barrio Sur was a marginalized and impoverished neighborhood that was home to many African slaves and their descendants, as well as other marginalized groups. It was a place where cultural traditions and expressions of African origin, such as candombe, were able to flourish.

Over time, the Barrio Sur became an important center of Afro-Uruguayan culture and identity, and it played a significant role in the development of candombe, which has become one of Uruguay’s most important musical traditions. Today, the Barrio Sur is recognized as an important cultural and historical landmark, and efforts are underway to preserve its unique heritage and promote its contributions to Uruguayan culture.