The Global Peace Foundation and the Patria Soñada Institute have launched an ambitious project to safeguard Paraguay’s Guaraní heritage through digitalising over 14,000 previously unpublished poetic and musical works in Guaraní, Jopará, and Spanish. The initiative, spanning publications from the historic Ysyry Magazine (1942-1995), aims to preserve and disseminate this unique collection that forms an integral part of Paraguay’s cultural identity.
Multiple representatives from the Global Peace Foundation were present. As well the Government of the United States, Taiwan, and Paraguay. The Asunción Times was also present at the event.
A musical celebration
At a recent cultural event held at Asunción’s Teatro Municipal Ignacio A. Pane, organisers presented the project alongside a musical tribute featuring traditional polkas and Guaranias. The programme included performances of classic Paraguayan compositions such as “Nde Rendape Ajú” and “Che Pykasumi,” demonstrating the living connection between archived materials and contemporary expression.
Former United States Ambassador James Cason’s Guaraní performance illustrated the language’s appeal beyond Paraguay’s borders. The ambassador, serving as honorary patron, has been recognised as Visitante Ilustre (Distinguished Visitor) by Asunción’s Municipality for his contribution to cultural preservation.
Preserving Guaraní heritage through digital innovation
The project introduces two key resources: the Oremba’e, meaning “What is ours.” The virtual library is now accessible at www.orembae.org.py. As well the commemorative bilingual book titled Che Ñe’e, Che Purahéi (My Language, My Song). The initiative digitises works from the historic Ysyry magazine, which published approximately 20,000 literary pieces between 1942 and 1995, with 14,000 selected for the digital edition.
Dr. Alda Cardozo, National Director of the Global Peace Foundation in Paraguay, emphasised the project’s role in safeguarding Guaraní cultural traditions. The collaboration between international organisations and local institutions reflects growing concern about Guaraní language preservation, particularly as linguists warn that fluency in Guaraní among younger generations is declining despite its status as one of Paraguay’s two official languages.
Cultural legacy preserved
The Ysyry Magazine, which operated for over five decades, represents a significant repository of Paraguayan literary and musical creation. The collection was preserved by former US Ambassador to Paraguay James Cason. He received 271 complete issues from an unknown woman in 2008. The former Ambassador recognised the cultural value of these works. Thomas Field, representing the Global Peace Foundation for Latin America and the Caribbean, presented details about the project’s development during the evening’s programme.
The evening’s programme also featured presentations by cultural leaders, including Dr. María del Carmen Giménez, who discussed the magazine’s historical significance and its role in documenting Paraguay’s evolving cultural identity from 1942 to 1995.
The project also counted on the support of Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan. Via a video, she told the public how she loved the effort made to preserve the language cultural resources.
This preservation effort comes at a crucial time when digital technologies offer new possibilities for safeguarding endangered linguistic traditions whilst making them accessible to future generations and international researchers interested in Guaraní language and South American indigenous cultural heritage.
In Encarnación, other celebrations were organised. A national festival was held for the 100 years of the Guarania.
Ñane ñe’ẽ, ñande reko, ñande reko, oikove tapiaite – Our language, our culture, our way of life, will live forever.
Global Peace Foundation and Patria Soñada
The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) is a non-profit organisation that promotes innovative approach to peacebuilding. The GPF organise a global network of public and private sector partners. These partners develop community, national, and regional peacebuilding models. The ultimate goal is the foundation of ethical and cohesive societies.
The Institute for the Development of Thought Patria Soñada (IDPPS) is a Paraguayan Think-Tank. They are a non-governmental organisation that aims to create spaces to strengthen the exchange of serious initiatives that strengthen democracy and project the necessary changes.
With the collaboration of @canaguayo, another writer at The Asunción Times.
