The traditional San Juan 2026 celebrations will continue across Paraguay after the National Secretariat of Culture declared the festival a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The recognition highlights one of the country’s most enduring traditions, honouring customs passed down through generations. The final San Juan celebrations will take place during the first weekend of July 2026.
San Juan, part of Paraguay’s living heritage
Through a resolution issued on 23 June 2026, the National Secretariat of Culture recognised San Juan Ára as an expression of Paraguay’s intangible cultural heritage. The declaration identifies the festival as a cultural tradition. The celebration is linked to social customs, rituals, festive events, and knowledge associated with nature and community life.
Celebrated throughout June and extending into early July, San Juan has become one of Paraguay’s most anticipated annual festivities. The celebration combines religious tradition with popular culture, bringing families and communities together. Traditional San Juan games include sack races (carrera vosa) and the famous toro candil, a fireworks-covered mock bull. Other customs include pelota tata, a game played with a burning ball. Lastly, Judas kái, the ceremonial burning of an effigy representing Judas Iscariot.
Equally important is the food. Traditional foods served during San Juan include mbeju, a cassava and cheese flatbread. Also, pastel mandi’o, a fried cassava pastry filled with beef. Another favorite, pajagua mascada, a savoury cassava and beef fritter. And two popular pork dishes: chicharõ trenzado, made from braided fried pork belly, and chicharõ huitĩ, consisting of crispy fried pork pieces.
The declaration aligns with Paraguay’s legislation protecting cultural heritage and with UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, ratified by Paraguay through Law No. 2884/2006. Officials hope the measure will strengthen efforts to document, preserve, and promote cultural practices that form part of the country’s collective identity.
Where to celebrate San Juan this weekend
Although June has ended, several major San Juan events will take place across Greater Asunción during the first weekend of July.
Friday, 3 July
Sanjuanazo CCP will be held at Fan Fest Ueno – La Nueva Olla, located on Acuña de Figueroa between Parapití and Antequera. Activities begin at 19:10, with admission costing ₲10,000 (approximately US$1.60) for members and ₲15,000 (approximately US$2,40) for non-members.
Saturday, 4 July
Several free celebrations. San Juan Palmear will run from 11:00 until 23:00 at the Palmear Fair on Palma Street in central Asunción, featuring traditional food, games, and entertainment throughout the day. Nearby. Senti el Centro, at Plazas del Cabildo will take place from 11:00 in the morning.
Also on Saturday, the Second Fire Brigade Company of Santísima Trinidad will host its annual San Juan celebration from 18:00 at the corner of Río Pilcomayo and Cap. Rivas. Entry is free.
Residents of Lambaré can attend San Juan Ára at Century Plaza, beginning at 18:00, while the Paraguayan Air Force in Luque will also host San Juan – Aerosan, with free admission. The starting time for that event has yet to be confirmed.
Sunday, 5 July
Barrio Mariscal closes the San Juan season with a large community festival at the corner of San Roque González and Dr Eulogio Estigarribia. The event promises traditional food, dancing, live performances, and games, with free admission and complimentary parking.
The official heritage designation gives added significance to this year’s festivities. Recognising San Juan as an essential part of Paraguay’s cultural identity continues to unite communities across the country.
A tradition that continues to unite communities
This year’s celebrations carry added significance following the festival’s official heritage recognition. As communities gather for the final San Juan events, the tradition continues to bring together food, games, music, and customs that have shaped Paraguayan culture for generations.
