The city of Asuncion is preparing a day-long festival, packed with events to celebrate the capital’s 487th birthday, today on 15th August 2024 – as well as Paraguayan Children’s Day, on August 16th.
According to the Directorate of Culture and Tourism of the Municipality of Asunción, a variety of events are planned, including parades, guided tours, and concerts, and all are designed to be accessible to everyone, including locals and tourists.
Morning Events: Parades and Historical Tours
The festivities will begin with the grand “Asunción Madre de Ciudades” parade. Participants will include alumni from various schools and classic car enthusiasts, with the parade starting at 9 AM at the intersection of Mariscal Estigarribia and Mexico streets. The route will continue down Palma Street, culminating at Colón by 3 PM.
At 10 AM, history enthusiasts can dive into the “Circuito Fundación,” a guided tour that traces the city’s key historical landmarks. This free tour starts at the Tourist Information Centre on the Costanera, allowing participants to explore the roots of Asunción.
For those interested in exploring one of the city’s most iconic buildings, the ever-popular “Secretos del Palacio” returns at 10 AM with limited slots already booked. This guided tour of the Palacio de López (Asunción’s government palace), starts at the Plaza de los Desaparecidos, right next to the building.
Activities for Children and Cultural Celebrations
As the morning progresses, children will have their own celebration at Plaza Oleary, located near the Panteón de los Héroes. Beginning at 11 AM, Children’s Day will be marked by a workshop on crafts and interactive games, organized by the Directorate of Cultural and Community Action (DACC), in collaboration with the Association of Artisans of Asunción.
At 2 PM, the Municipal Institute of Art (IMA) will host “Dramatur,” a guided tour that brings history to life with performances at the Ignacio A. Pane Municipal Theatre. The tour is open to all and free of charge.
At 4 PM and 5 PM, families and tourists can hop aboard the “City Tour Yo Amo Asu,” a panoramic bus tour through the historic downtown area of Asunción. Departing from the Tourist Information Center on the Costanera, tickets are available for Gs. 12,000 for children aged 6-13 and Gs. 25,000 for adults. Children under 6 ride for free.
The day’s cultural activities continue with a unique Paraguayan performance. At 6 PM, the Bicentennial Plaza on the Costanera will host “La Mujer Botellera como Identidad Cultural del Paraguay,” featuring the nation’s famous bottle dancers. This event aims to break both national and international records by gathering the largest group of Paraguayan women performing this traditional dance.
Evening Finale: A Classical Concert from Brazil
The grand finale of the anniversary celebration will be a concert by Brazil’s prestigious ‘’Camerata Antiqua de Curitiba’’. Known for their baroque music, the Camerata has earned a reputation as one of the most distinguished classical ensembles in the region. Their performance at the Ignacio A. Pane Municipal Theatre begins at 8 PM and is free to attend until the venue reaches capacity. According to Marcela Bacigalupo, the Director of Culture and Tourism for the Municipality, the concert is “a unique gift to Asunción” that the entire city can enjoy.
Art Fairs and Markets
Beyond the main events, locals and tourists can explore several artisanal fairs. The ‘’Palma Vy’a Festival’’ will take place from 7 AM to 10 PM along Palma Street, featuring an array of crafts and antiques. The same day, the Plaza de los Héroes will host the ‘’ASUPalmearte’’ Fair and ‘’Vencer y Vivir’’ Festival with live demonstrations from artists.
On August 15 and 16, the Strawberry Festival will run from 8 AM to 6 PM near the Tourist Information Center on the Costanera. Families can enjoy live music and a variety of strawberry-themed products.
For those seeking a more aquatic experience, boat tours will be also available. These scenic trips to the Héroes del Chaco Bridge depart from the Turista Róga Pier, priced at Gs. 50,000 per person. Reservations can be made via WhatsApp by contacting Milciades Agüero at 0982 226 343.
This August 15, the city of Asunción invites everyone to join in celebrating its rich history, vibrant culture, and bright future through a day of festivities, performances, and community spirit.
Extra Information
Due to the anniversary events, several streets in the downtown area of Asunción are blocked to facilitate the activities and celebrations. Click here for up-to-date information on street closures and alternative routes.
so cool!!