Heritage Day (Uruguay)

The Heritage Day (Día del Patrimonio) is an annual celebration of Uruguay's history and culture. It takes place the first weekend of October and is organized by the National Cultural Heritage Commission of the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Extraordinarily for two days, all museums, government buildings, historical monuments, educational institutions, buildings and private residences of historical, cultural or architectural interest are open to the public to be visited free of charge. Occasionally, special exhibitions or cultural activities are held.

History
In 1995, at the initiative of architect José Luis Livni, Día del Patrimonio was celebrated for the first time, which lasted only one day and was held only in Montevideo. However, over the years the celebration gained popularity and was expanded to include different aspects of Uruguayan culture and history, so the places that could be visited increased and it was decided to hold it for a full weekend, without altering the name.

From 1995 to 2001 it was held on the second Saturday of September, and from 2002 to 2005 on the penultimate weekend of September. Finally, starting with the eleventh edition (2006), it began to be held on the second weekend of October.