Asunción is poised to host the 18th World Harp Festival, a prestigious event that spotlights the nation’s most cherished cultural symbols: the Paraguayan Harp. The festival, held from 2 to the 5 of October 2025, is globally recognised as the paramount celebration of the instrument, offering an immersive programme of concerts, workshops, and masterclasses. The event is an essential moment for both national pride and international collaboration, reinforcing the harp’s status as the enduring soul of Paraguay.
The 18th World Harp Festivalnis held at the Municipal Theatre Ignacio A Pané and the Casa de Integración – CAF. Festivities start at 20:00 for the first two days, 14:00 on Saturday, and 18:00 on Sunday. The entrance is free of charge and no one needs a reservation.
Harp as a cultural emblem
The prominence of the harp in Paraguay cannot be overstated. Unlike a mere folk instrument, the Paraguayan harp is the official national musical symbol, a distinction formalised by presidential decree. This instrument is the audible embodiment of the paraguayidad, or we can say the “Paraguayan-ness.” This term embraces the nation’s collective identity and its centuries-old folk traditions.
While European in origin, the harp was quickly adopted, adapted, and refined by indigenous and mestizo artisans. They developed a unique, lightweight instrument with a resonant, bright tone, played with the characteristic techniques of intricate rhythms. The music it produces, notably the melancholic Guarania and the vibrant Polca Paraguaya, instantly evokes a deep sense of patriotism and rural nostalgia among Paraguayans.
Driving, cycling, or walking further along the Costanera, this Paraguayan symbol is displayed in a gigantic statue in the middle of a rotonda. Furthermore, on the 9th June is celebrated the Paraguayan Harp Day.
A global gathering in Asunción
On the first night at the Casa de Integración, you can listen to Karin Carrera Matsuki from Japan and Klara Poznachowska from Poland. Other harpists include Sebastián Ramírez and Francisco Giménez & su Kambapu from Paraguay.
On the second night at the Municipal Theatre, you can listen to the Symphonic Orchestra of the National Congress. The show will be directed by Maestro Diego Sánchez and Gabriel Graziani. French Isabelle Moretti and Paraguayan Martín Portillo will join them.
The third day also has magistral classes in a conference form. Isabelle Morreti from France and Yofre Brito from Colombia will be hosting the event. At the Municipal Theatre later that night Yofre Brito again with Paraguayans Victor Espinola and Martín Portillo. José López and his group from Carapegua Will also perform. They will be accompanied by Antonio Rolón.
The fourth night at the Theatre will have a concert from Paraguayan Papi Galán and the Indigenous Orchestra of Brazil. This show will be directed by Maestro Eduardo Martinelli. This fourth night of harp music can also count on Jeheka, César D’Apollo and his Gente Porã group. Grupo Sonrisa from Japan, Martin Garcete Aquino, and Elias Balbuena with the Idols of Piribebuy will also perform.
For more information, follow the Harp Festival on Instagram.
