Every 24 July, Paraguay celebrates Paraguayan Folk Dancer’s Day, honouring the founding of the Municipal Folk Ballet of Asunción and commemorating the passing of renowned dance master Domingo Barúa. Beyond the celebrations, the date recognises artists who preserve the country’s traditions through movement, music, and storytelling. For professional dancers Arol Giménez and Claudio Fernández, folk dance is far more than performance. It is a lifelong commitment to safeguarding Paraguay’s cultural identity while inspiring future generations.
A career devoted to Paraguayan folk dance
Giménez, 35, from Piribebuy, has devoted his entire career to Paraguayan folk dance. A choreographer, teacher, and member of the Municipal Folk Ballet of Asunción, he now directs the same municipal dance group from Piribebuy, where he first discovered his passion at the age of 14.
“My relationship with folk dance began in my hometown,” he tells The Asunción Times. “Today, I have the privilege of leading the group that first welcomed me.”
His journey began after he met mentor Enrique Alberto Escobar Ovelar, who introduced him to renowned teacher Aníbal Lescano. Since then, dance has become both his profession and his purpose.
A lifeline through art
For Giménez, folk dance transformed his life beyond the stage.
“It is my way of life. It kept me away from many negative influences and became an emancipating force. That is why I truly believe in the transformative power of art. The awards and recognition are simply the result of hard work. Before anyone knows your name, family support is everything. There were people who believed in me when I doubted myself.”
He also acknowledges that misconceptions surrounding male dancers persist in Paraguay, particularly stereotypes about body image, masculinity, and making a living through the arts. While the profession remains demanding, he sees gradual progress as Paraguay continues to professionalise its dance sector.
“There is nothing more rewarding than making a living doing what you truly love.”
Learning Paraguay’s history through movement
Systems engineer Claudio Fernández, 37, discovered dance through his sister after beginning lessons at the age of 13. Although he initially trained in Latin dance styles, a scholarship at Compasses Dance Academy introduced him to Paraguayan folklore. Today, he balances his engineering career with performing both Paraguayan and international folk dances. For Fernández, studying folklore revealed a side of Paraguayan history that many people never encounter.
“People often think folk dance is simply learning the basic steps. But when you study it properly, you realise many of our traditional dances have European roots, and every region of Paraguay has its own customs and traditions.”
His greatest artistic challenge has been portraying the character of the historic arriero, or muleteer, whose resilience helped shape rural Paraguay.
“I always wanted audiences to recognise themselves in what we expressed on stage.”
Among his proudest memories is competing at the Joinville Dance Festival in Brazil, considered the world’s largest dance festival.
Paraguayan Folk Dancer’s Day: Passing on tradition
Both dancers believe education is essential for preserving Paraguay’s intangible cultural heritage. Giménez argues that appreciation begins with understanding. “No one can love what they do not know. You first have to understand something before you can truly value it.”
If introducing someone to Paraguayan folklore for the first time, he would begin with the Paraguayan polka, the country’s only national folk music and dance. “It is the best place to discover our traditions and our popular music.”
Fernández hopes young dancers continue studying folklore and sharing it internationally. “We have so much to offer the world through our art and culture. I hope the next generation continues this path, crosses borders, and proudly shows the world the beauty of Paraguayan dance.”
For Giménez, success ultimately depends less on talent than on determination. “Go to rehearsals even when you do not feel like it. Get up and keep going, even on the days when motivation is lacking. Talent alone does not guarantee success; perseverance does. A drop of water does not pierce stone because of its strength, but because of its persistence.”
On another Paraguayan Folk Dancer’s Day, artists like Giménez and Fernández remind audiences that every performance carries centuries of history. Behind each graceful step lies years of discipline, cultural memory, and an enduring commitment to ensuring Paraguay’s traditions continue moving forward.
For more information, find Arol Gimenez on Instagram and Claudio Fernandez on Instagram.
Also read: 2026 Is The Year Of Paraguayan Musician Luis Alberto Del Paraná
