Candombe originated in Uruguay between the 18th and 19th century, developed by Africans and their descendants that were taken to South America through the slave trade. The birthplace was Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, in the Rio de la Plata region. From there, it also spread into neighboring Argentina.

Initially, candombe was the name given to the dances performed by black artists that incorporated African and European elements.

By the late 19th century, the black community in Montevideo formed comparsas. These are groups of singers, musicians and dancers that perform outdoors in carnivals and other festivities. Comparsas of various types and musical genres are found widely throughout Spain and Hispanic America.

Eventually, Uruguayan carnival comparsas became integrated, combining people of all races and ethnicities. However, Uruguayan carnival comparsas kept the barrel drums and certain dance movements rooted in African traditions. The drum section normally includes 40-80 players.