The Battle of Boquerón, fought for twenty days until 29 September 1932, marked the beginning of the Chaco War between Paraguay and Bolivia. Post-World War I, this was the first modern war in South America. Despite its scale and significance, the conflict remains little known outside Paraguay, even within the region. Paraguayan historian Fabián Chamorro wants to change that and shares his findings with The Asunción Times.
“A much-needed victory”
For people in Paraguay, the battle of Boquerón and its victory represent not only a strategic victory, but the proof that they could defeat an enemy far superior in number and better equipped.
“Paraguay learned a lot in this battle: the harsh conditions of the terrain and weather, the lack of water and the need to constantly supply its troops,” explains Chamorro.
The victory in Boquerón not only boosted morale of civilians across the country, sparking celebrations everywhere, but also elevated the combat spirit of Paraguayan soldiers. “The memory of the War of the Triple Alliance was fresh in every Paraguayan’s memory, which was catastrophic. If Paraguay had lost at Boquerón, it would have meant resigning the Chaco,” he is certain.
The battle also showcased the genius and vision of the Paraguayan commander, future Marshal and President José Félix Estigarribia, Chamorro states: “Every general thought retreating was the best option, but Estigarribia disagreed. As he was convinced, he could not only win in Boquerón, but also push the Bolivians out of the Chaco.”
The role of the civilians
“Civilians, unlike the previous War of the Triple Alliance, were not affected by the conflict. They produced everything the army needed. Clothes, the famous ‘Verde Olivo’ uniforms, bandages for medics, food and meat,” says Chamorro.
As the war progressed, supply lines stretched further, linking cities like Asunción and Concepción with the remote battlefields. Boquerón was the first test for a country of fewer than a million inhabitants and its production capacity.
Brothers in arms, buried together
A little-known story from the battle illustrates the human side of the conflict. Paraguayan soldier Fernando Velázquez and Bolivian soldier Tomás Manchego knew each other before the war. When Velázquez was injured near the fort, Manchego took care of him. Later, when Manchego himself was gravely wounded, he asked that if he died, he be buried next to his friend.
Both men were, in fact, buried together – and their graves can still be visited today. “It is a show of twinning between Paraguay and Bolivia,” Chamorro reflects.
The start of the holiday
The memory of Boquerón was honoured almost immediately after it ended. “It was always celebrated, starting in 1933. But it became a true national holiday in 1936. Before that, with the war ongoing, it was different. In 1935, there was a huge celebration, as big as the Victory Parade just a month earlier.”
For the historian, without Boquerón, Paraguay’s Chaco would not exist as it does today. “The current map of Paraguay and its Chaco region is the result of the Battle of Boquerón. It was a turning point for Paraguay and the moment they began to win the war.”
The victory was celebrated with parades all across the country. “The last one I saw was in 1993, with veterans of the conflict still marching,” recalls Chamorro. Nowadays, major commemorations are held mainly in places where veterans left a strong legacy, even if they have already passed away.
Boquerón outside of Paraguay
“The battle itself is not well known internationally, but Estigarribia is. He is really studied, as he was a pioneer in maneuver warfare. Boquerón was his first test, where he laid the groundwork for strategies, he would later perfect,” explains the historian.
Militarily, it is known and studied, but it is not of common knowledge even in South America that Paraguay and Bolivia had a conflict.
What the Battle of Boquerón left behind
The battle marked the beginning of Paraguay’s recovery of the Chaco, which had been occupied by Bolivian forces. “It is important to Paraguayans even today because it symbolizes resilience and the determination not to give up the territory they believed was theirs,” Chamorro highlights.
He also emphasises the uniqueness of the conflict. “Boquerón and the war itself were very particular – for the land, for the strategies used. It is very difficult to compare them to other wars. Both Paraguayans and Bolivians were brave enough to fight under such hostile conditions.”
Culturally, however, the battle left fewer traces. Unlike other battles, Boquerón has little associated music. “There is a musical memory of the war as a whole, rather than of Boquerón itself.”
The biggest legacy of the battle
Fabián Chamorro concludes by saying: “The most important lesson of Boquerón, to anyone that learns about it, is to avoid improvisation. It is not only a military victory, but also against improvisation. The biggest legacy of the battle is the Chaco itself.”
Today, visitors can still walk through the place where the battle took place. The site is well maintained, featuring original trenches, hiding spots, and even a replica of the medical post. A museum preserves the memory of those days, ensuring that Boquerón remains not just a chapter in history, but a living reminder of Paraguay’s resilience.
Read more: Paraguay Honours Chaco War Veterans With Pride And Pension.
