The latest edition of the Christmas Village, an annual event organised by the Itaipu Binacional entity, has concluded after drawing a remarkable 87,060 people over its seven-day run. Situated in the scenic Linear Park of Ciudad del Este, within the department of Alto Paraná, the event saw a significant increase in attendance, surpassing the previous year’s figure of approximately 75,000 visitors.
This record-breaking turnout reaffirms the Christmas Village’s position as a cornerstone of the cultural and tourism calendar for the festive season in the Alto Paraná region, demonstrating its growing appeal.
The third edition of the event, which commenced on 13 December, offered a diverse and engaging agenda filled with recreational activities and musical presentations suitable for all ages.
A spectacular finale with diverse performances
The closing ceremony was marked by an outstanding and varied artistic programme that captivated the audience. A highlight of the evening was a performance by the esteemed Municipal Classical and Modern Ballet of Asunción. The company presented the enchanting second act of the timeless Christmas ballet, “The Nutcracker”, delivering a performance of high artistic merit that brought an emotive and elegant conclusion to the week’s festivities.
Following the ballet, the atmosphere shifted to one of national pride as the group Las Paraguayas took to the stage. Hailing from Caacupé, the ensemble delighted the crowd with a spirited repertoire of traditional Paraguayan songs, generating a festive and communal atmosphere that resonated throughout the park.
The musical offerings continued with a performance from Qmbia Juan, who entertained the public with his popular cumbia classics. Subsequently, the evening’s entertainment was brought to a powerful close by La Retroband, who performed a nostalgic set of their most emblematic and well-loved songs.
Significant boost for local enterprises
Beyond its success as a cultural and recreational attraction, the Christmas Village concludes with a substantial and welcome boost to the local economy. The event generated significant economic dynamism, which directly benefited the many micro, small, and medium-sized gastronomic enterprises that operated stands within the dedicated Food Park.
In addition to the food vendors, local artisans showcasing their crafts also reported exceptional results. Both sectors experienced a consistently high volume of visitors, and sales throughout the seven days of the festive gathering. This influx of commerce, according to the Christmas Village organisation, provided a crucial injection of revenue for small business owners and offered an invaluable platform for them to gain visibility and reach a wider market.
