Asunción will host a full day of celebrations on Friday 15 August, 2025, to mark the city’s 488th foundation anniversary. The programme includes parades, cultural exhibitions, guided tours, and fairs, open to both residents and visitors. This year’s festivities will honour the “Mother of Cities” with a vibrant showcase of history, music, and culture.
Morning activities: Parades and historic walks
The morning will begin early with a police-military parade from 6:00 AM to midday, featuring marching bands and patriotic floats. Streets from General Santos to Colón will be closed during this period for public safety and to facilitate the event.
Palma Street will be closed up to 14 de Mayo for the students’ parade at 9:30 AM, showcasing the creativity, pride, and energy of local schools. This colourful procession will highlight the school spirit and talents of children and teenagers.
At 10:00 AM, history enthusiasts may join the “Circuito Fundación” tour, departing from the Centro Semafórico at the Costanera of Asunción. The tour takes participants to significant sites connected to the history of the foundation of Asunción in 1537, offering an enriching journey through time.
Also at 10:00 AM, the Palma Vy’a Fair will transform Palma Street between 15 de Agosto and Ayolas into a dynamic cultural market. Visitors will find craft stalls, exhibitions, and local delicacies, accompanied by live performances throughout the day.
Cultural highlights at the Municipal Theatre
The Ignacio A. Pane Municipal Theatre will also host a celebration for the Asunción’s foundation anniversary, featuring some of the city’s most renowned artistic groups. The performances will include the Asunción City Symphony Orchestra (OSCA), the Asunción Municipal Chamber Orchestra (OCMA), and the Asunción Youth Orchestra (OJA).
From 4:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m., the “Celebrating Asunción” serenade will fill the theatre with music and dance. This promises to be an inspiring evening, combining classical works with lively local traditions.
Afternoon to evening: Street parties and exhibitions
At 7:00 p.m., the Casa Casteví Gallery in the Manzana de la Rivera will present El Palacio que no fue (The Palace that Never Was), a graphic portfolio by Paraguayan architects Carlos Cataldi, Julio Cacace, Pedro Florentín, Luis Elgue, and Félix Toranzos. Visitors may also enjoy extended opening hours at nearby museums, including:
- City Memory Museum (9:00 AM – 5:00 AM)
- Municipal Museum of the Paraguayan Harp (9:00 AM – 3:00 AM)
- José Asunción Flores Municipal Museum (9:00 AM – 3:00 AM)
- Centre for the Dissemination of the Audiovisual and Photographic Archive of Paraguay (9:00 AM – 3:00 AM)
Meanwhile, at Juan E. O’Leary Park, the Paraguayan Craft Institute (IPA) Craft Fair will continue to exhibit works by ASACIVAPA (Association of Asunción City, Neighbouring Cities and Related Areas of Paraguay) and other local artisans.
Sports and Junior Pan American Games events
Sports enthusiasts will be able to attend competitions linked to the ASU2025 Junior Pan American Games, which will coincide with the anniversary celebrations. Events will include handball at SND, cycling at the Velodrome, and hockey at the National Hockey Centre.
Other competitions will feature squash at the National Squash Centre, taekwondo at the Polideportivo Deportes Urbanos, and tennis at the Rakiura Resort. Attendees may also watch the finals of the women’s volleyball tournament at the COP Arena and basketball matches at the COP 3×3 Sports Centre.
Asunción Foundation Anniversary: Practical Information
Due to the activities surrounding the 488th foundation anniversary of Asunción, major city-centre boulevards will be closed at various times. The General Santos-Colón route will be closed for the police-military parade from 6:00 AM to midday. Palma Street will be closed for both the student parade and the Palma Vy’a Fair. Visitors are advised to plan their journeys accordingly.
This 15 August, Asunción invites all to celebrate its heritage, culture, and community spirit. The foundation anniversary programme offers a unique opportunity to enjoy music, parades, exhibitions, and sporting events, all within one unforgettable day.
For event access and pricing, tickets can be obtained from the official Tuti website.
