This year’s New Year celebrations were marked with shared photos on social media by actress Preethi, showing moments with her husband and family. Among the pictures, there are beautiful beach scenes, food spreads, and snapshots in front of 'La Mano,' a famous sculpture located in Uruguay’s Punta del Este.
The ‘La Mano’ sculpture, created by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal, is one of the primary attractions in the area. The striking sculpture, which represents five human fingers emerging from the sand, stands at Playa Brava Beach. The sculpture was installed during the inaugural International Meeting of Modern Sculpture in February. Made from concrete, steel bars, and plastic, it was completed in just six days. While there are other sculptures in the vicinity, Mario's creation remains the most iconic and enduring, often symbolizing the region’s artistic and cultural significance. Although the beach is popular for activities like surfing and swimming, the area can occasionally be dangerous due to strong winds and waves, making it necessary for visitors to exercise caution when near the sculpture.
Tourists flock to this beach to take photos with the sculpture as it has become an essential landmark. Punta del Este, located on Uruguay’s eastern Atlantic coast, is also known for its upscale resorts and is a favored destination for vacationers. It has earned several nicknames, including "Monaco of South America," "Pearl of the Atlantic," "Hampton of South America," and "Miami Beach of South America." Recently, many prominent individuals have purchased properties here, drawn by the area’s charm. The island of Lobos, the Gorriti Island, and the Arboretum Lussich are just a few of the many protected natural areas in and around Punta del Este.
In addition to the 'La Mano' sculpture, other famous landmarks in the region include the Casapueblo, designed by artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, and the Museo del Mar (Museum of the Sea). The area is well known for its stunning beaches, with Playa Brava being recognized for its golden sands, while Playa Mansa features softer white sand. These beaches are easily accessible to the public and are some of the most beautiful in Uruguay.
Punta del Este also boasts several other attractions, such as the nightlife hotspots like El Tesoro Resort and Playa Montoya, which are particularly popular among younger crowds. The months of December to February see the area bustling with tourists, eager to enjoy the sun, surf, and vibrant atmosphere that makes Punta del Este one of the most sought-after vacation destinations in South America.