On Monday, November 18, and Tuesday, November 19, Asunción will host a series of events commemorating the anniversary of the birth of Madame Elisa Lynch, a historical figure who marked a milestone in the relationship between Paraguay and Ireland.
Organised by the Paraguayan Community in Ireland (CLG) and supported by various institutions, the celebration aims to highlight its cultural legacy and strengthen ties between the two nations.
A transnational tribute agenda
The events began with the simultaneous planting of the project’s first tree, “Paseo de los Lapachos—Residenta Elisa Alicia Lynch”, in Asunción and Charleville, Ireland, Lynch’s birthplace. This heartfelt act, supported by Crann Trees for Ireland, was live-streamed between the two cities as a symbol of solidarity.
This evening, at 8pm, Asunción’s riverside promenade, at the Heroes of Chaco Bridge, will host the grand performance of “Eliza Lynch and Marshal López: A Love Story Without Limits.” The play will feature Margarita Franco as Elisa Lynch and Marcelo Monraht as Marshal López, supported by a top-tier cast directed by Juan Aveiro, with music by maestro Arsenio Zárate.
On Tuesday, November 19, the day will begin with a solemn ceremony at 9:30am at the Recoleta Mausoleum, where a floral tribute will be offered to Madame Lynch. Descendants of Elisa Lynch and Marshal López will be in attendance, alongside Irish representative Korina Dufy, representing Irish women and members of the Charleville Heritage Society.
At 4pm, the National Congress Library and Archive auditorium will host the eighth edition of the Expo Solano López, showcasing historical relics, including a brick from the house of Irish writer James Joyce and the flag of the Asgard ship, linked to Ireland’s independence movement in 1916.
Tomorrow evening, at 8pm, the Teatro Latino will host an exclusive performance featuring music, dance, and theater in honor of Elisa Lynch, with contributions from maestro Oscar Pérez and Arsenio Zárate.
Honoring Elisa Lynch’s legacy
This series of tributes is part of the Eliza Lynch Project 2023–2024, which seeks to honor her legacy in Paraguay and Ireland. Plans are to unveil a monument in her honor in Asunción by 2026.
The events, mostly free and open to the public, invite reflection on shared history and celebrate the bond between two kindred cultures.
