Cardal, Uruguay

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Cardal is a town in the Florida Department of southern-central Uruguay. It sits along Route 77, between Independencia and 25 de Mayo, about 14 km north of Veinticinco de Agosto and 30 km south of the city of Florida. The town grew around its train station, which opened in 1900. It was made a village in 1937 and later upgraded to a town in 1985. In 2000 Cardal celebrated 100 years, and the population was 1,202 in 2011.

Cardal is known as the capital of milk in Uruguay. The surrounding area is full of dairy farms, many of which are part of Grupo Cardal, a group of milk farmers. Dairy farming is the main economic activity. Along the town’s streets you’ll find grocers, a pharmacy, a gas station, bakeries, bars, butchers, a hardware store, and clothing shops. Health care is provided by public and private doctors, and two doctors live in Cardal. The town has a school named Italia for ages 4–12 and a high school for ages 12–16. There is a sport and social club called 19 de Abril with a local football team, and another club called Sureños for young players. Two MEVIR housing projects have helped families obtain homes. Cardal also has a local council, Junta Local, and hosts an annual celebration honoring its milk-capital status.