MUSEO DE CARLOS GARDEL

About twenty kilometers from Tacuarembó, in Valle Edén, is the Museo Carlos Gardel. It is here that the famous tango singer was born on December 11, 1887. Even today, there are controversies about his date and place of birth. For the inhabitants of Valle Edén (and of the whole country, in fact), there is no doubt: the "zorzal criollo", as he is called, was born here, more exactly in the estancia Santa Blanca. A sign proudly proclaims: "I was born here, in Tacuarembó, which, as everyone knows, does not need to be said In fact, it is said to be the result of the extramarital relationship that Colonel Carlos Escayola had with Juana Sghirla, nicknamed María Lelia, a young woman of Argentine nationality, wife of the Italian consul Juan Oliva. At a very early age, the child was entrusted to a French nanny, Berta Gardes, who named him "Carlos" and took him with her to Argentina where he grew up. The small museum exhibits many objects from that time, including documents testifying to his Uruguayan nationality, black and white photographs, and the piano of his supposed father. His songs are a highlight of the visit. The person in charge of the museum is an energetic and very friendly guide. In December, the Fiesta Gardeliana festival attracts visitors from all over the world, who gather at the Laguna de las Lavanderas, in the town of Tacuarembó, to dance to the rhythms of Gardel, performed by local musicians.