Paraguay’s spiritual capital, Caacupé, is gearing up for its annual Virgin Of Caacupé festival on 8 December 2025. For the ninth consecutive year Itaipu Binacional is supporting the Paraguayan government’s comprehensive assistance programme for pilgrims while running a major environmental awareness drive under the slogan “With faith without garbage”. The campaign got underway with a major clean-up in Villa Serrana.
More than 200 young scholarship holders from the Cordillera Governorate joined forces with staff from Itaipu’s Environmental Management Superintendency to remove rubbish and raise awareness. The young volunteers wore distinctive red-and-white jerseys provided by Itaipu – colours that symbolise unity and national pride.
Together they form the “Paraguayan Environmental Team”, a group that, in the words of organisers, “plays for nature and community service”. The team will be a visible presence throughout the Caacupé festival, helping to keep streets, squares and pilgrimage routes spotless.
Major cleanup: “Patriotism through care”
Organisers emphasised that the initiative goes beyond simple cleaning. “Young people are showing that genuine patriotism is also expressed through respect for the environment and solidarity with others,” a spokesperson for Itaipu said after the event.
As part of the community work day, Itaipu handed over a large batch of cleaning and waste-management supplies to Caacupé municipal authorities and the Cordillera departmental government. The donation included:
- Separate waste-collection bins;
- Heavy-duty rubbish bags;
- Rakes and wheelbarrows;
- Insect repellent and protective gloves;
- Additional tools and materials.
The equipment will support proper waste separation and disposal throughout the festival period, reducing the environmental impact of the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims expected to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Caacupé on 8 December, and the days surrounding the feast.
Major health plan
Paraguay’s Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare has officially activated the Health Response Plan for Operation Caacupé 2025, guaranteeing medical care and emergency services for the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.
Health coverage will span the main pilgrimage routes and entry points to the city with 44 temporary health posts and 33 permanent facilities. A fleet of 41 ambulances, backed by a medical helicopter for rapid transfers, stands ready to respond to emergencies.
80 portable toilets, and 10 water tanks across
To support basic sanitation, authorities will install 80 portable toilets and 10 water tanks across key locations, while continuous water-quality monitoring will ensure safe drinking water throughout the festival.
The operation is structured in three defined phases:
- Green Coverage: Lower-intensity support during the remaining days of the novena (28 November, 1–4 December, and 9–15 December).
- Yellow Coverage: Enhanced services for the weekends of 29–30 November, when smaller groups of pilgrims arrive.
- Red Coverage: Maximum deployment from 5 to 8 December, coinciding with the peak influx of faithful for the feast day on 8 December.
Record deployment of health professionals
A total of 2,474 healthcare workers will be on duty, including:
- 573 doctors;
- 1,209 nurses and obstetricians;
- 30 paramedics;
- 662 administrative and support staff.
This represents one of the largest health mobilisations in Paraguay for a single religious event.
Key recommendations for pilgrims
Health authorities urged pilgrims to take personal responsibility for their wellbeing:
- Undergo a medical check-up before starting the journey;
- Avoid walking if suffering from recent heart attack, heart failure, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe obesity, skin conditions, or significant vision or hearing impairments;
- Stay hydrated at all times;
- Wear light-coloured, lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, and sun protection (hats, visors, sunscreen).
Read more: Paraguay’s Highway Patrol has introduced extensive traffic management measures ahead of the annual Virgin of Caacupé festival.
