Every Saturday for five weeks, the city of Encarnación comes alive with its biggest celebration: Carnival. Saturday, 17 January marked the opening of the 100th edition. Seven local clubs, each represented by its queen, are competing in this historic edition. What began as a modest neighbourhood celebration has endured for a century. The Carnival has passed through generations of locals and is evolving alongside the city itself.
From dances, carnival troupes, and floats parading through Encarnación’s streets, the celebration has grown into a large-scale spectacle held at the Sambadrome. The Carnival’s evolution reflects both cultural continuity and adaptation, transforming into one of Paraguay’s most recognised festive events.
Encarnación’s Carnival is not only a local tradition but also a national and regional attraction. The Carnival is a symbol of pride, resilience, and collective identity. Both for the city and the clubs that sustain it.
The start of the Carnival’s 100th edition
Approximately 13,000 people attended the Sambadrome on the opening night, setting a strong tone for the centennial edition. Carnival nights traditionally begin at 21:00 and extend until the early hours of the morning, often concluding around 04:00. So you should be ready to dance and sing all night.
While the Carnival usually spans four Saturday nights between January and February, this edition introduces an additional date. Following the opening night on 17 January, festivities will continue on 24 and 31 January. Continuing on the 7 and 14 February. Six clubs perform each night, with one club resting on a rotating basis. This is a new format designed to allow participants time to prepare and recover.
The celebration officially began with the appearance of the Carnival’s mascot, Kuki, alongside King Momo, one of the Carnival´s icons, along with the club queens. Each club then presented its theme through choreography, costumes, floats, and music. As every club develops its own concept, each Saturday offers a distinct visual and artistic experience.
A celebration for everyone
Between club performances, independent carnival troupes and guest acts contribute to the programme. On the opening night, Brazilian sertanejo duo Brenno & Matheus performed as special guests. Upcoming dates will feature Paraguayan acts Rumberos and Los Verduleros. Then, DJ Kalli and DJ Cami Flecha on the February nights.
Ticket prices start at Gs. 20,000 ( approximately US$3) and can be purchased online, at the Sambadrome, or at Encarnación’s shopping centre. Organisers recommend purchasing tickets in advance, as the most sought-after sections sell out quickly. Visitors are also encouraged to plan accommodation and transport ahead of time.
The Sambadrome offers a range of viewing options, including family-oriented areas, sections designed for dancing and party atmospheres, elevated stands, and boxes close to the parade route. There are also accessible areas for people with reduced mobility, ensuring that the Carnival is for everyone.
Encarnación’s Carnival, a national icon
With four more nights ahead, the centennial edition stands as evidence of the persistence of one of Paraguay’s most colourful traditions. What began as a local summer festivity organised by families has grown into a major cultural attraction promoted nationally and internationally.
The National Secretariat of Tourism (SENATUR) regularly features the Carnival in its international campaigns, positioning it as one of Paraguay’s flagship events. The 100th edition was also officially launched in Asunción and in the neighbouring Argentine city of Posadas, highlighting its cross-border appeal.
From confetti and streamers in the early twentieth century to today’s large-scale productions, Encarnación’s Carnival has become one of the region’s most recognisable celebrations. Alongside new initiatives such as a winter Carnival edition and the upcoming World Rally Championship (WRC) in August 2026, the event reinforces Encarnación’s growing profile as a year-round tourist destination.
The Carnival invites visitors and locals alike to dance, sing, and take part in a living tradition that continues to define the city’s cultural identity. One hundred editions on, Encarnación’s Carnival remains both a celebration and a vibrant expression of the city and the country.
