San Bernardino prepares to mark its 145th anniversary on 24 August, 2026, with a series of commemorative activities, including a free evening of entertainment featuring DJ Alex Vaché at the Municipal Hall from 18:00. The San Bernardino 145 years celebration highlights the town’s enduring status as Paraguay’s premier summer destination in the Cordillera Department.
The Municipality of San Bernardino, led by Mayor Ramón Silvestre Paiva, has declared Monday 24 August a local holiday under Resolution No. 501/2026. Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy the riverfront, explore the town’s heritage and join the festive programme celebrating its identity as the “summer city.”
San Bernardino 145 years: Foundations of a lakeside resort
San Bernardino was founded on 24 August 1881 during the presidency of General Bernardino Caballero by German and Swiss settlers. Over the ensuing decades it developed into one of Paraguay’s leading centres of summer tourism, drawing visitors to its lakeside setting and distinctive European-influenced architecture.
The 145th anniversary has been marked by ceremonies, cultural events and official recognition of the town’s historical significance. The local authority continues to promote San Bernardino as a place where natural beauty and cultural tradition combine to create a unique holiday atmosphere.
A musical tribute in the central plaza
Earlier in the weekend, the San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, supported by the local municipality, the Cordillera Governorate and the National Tourism Secretariat (Senatur), staged the “Serenade to San Bernardino.” The free evening of music, dance and popular culture took place in Plaza General Bernardino Caballero in the town centre.
Featured performers included the National Orchestra of Popular Music (ONAMP), which presented works by Paraguayan composers, and the National Police Jazz Band. Also appearing were the Alegoría Sanber Group, the Municipal Dance School, the Ciro and Dulce National Children’s Polka Duo, and dance companies from the Origen Cultural Center. The event paid tribute to the town’s heritage and its reputation as an iconic tourist destination.
