Every year on July 30th, International Friendship Day is celebrated worldwide. This celebration originated in Paraguay, 66 years ago, with the idea of Dr. Ramon Artemio Bracho, now it is more than just a calendar event; it is a cherished tradition deeply ingrained in the Paraguayan culture.
Dr. Bracho along with his wife and other friends founded the World Friendship Crusade in Puerto Pinasco, in the department of Presidente Hayes, Paraguay. Under the motto ‘For a better and more humane world’, this civil society organization promoted a culture of peace. In the words of Dr. Bracho himself, it all began on the 20th of June 1958, when he wondered how it was possible that such a beautiful feeling as friendship did not have its date of celebration.
The Friendship Day was finally officially recognized on 3 May 2011, the United Nations General Assembly decided to designate this date as International Friendship Day, with the consensus of all 192 member states.
The World Friendship Crusade is a foundation that promotes friendship and fellowship among all human beings, regardless of race, colour or religion. Since then, July 30 has been fervently celebrated as Friendship Day in Paraguay every year and has also been adopted by several other countries.
In Paraguay, on this day, it is common to see groups of friends going out together to enjoy various activities, such as dining out, going to the movies, or simply sending messages of gratitude and affection to the special people in our lives.
In many cases, is also customary to exchange gifts through the traditional game of ‘‘secret friend’’. This game, known as ‘’amigo invisible’’ in Spanish, involves friends drawing names and secretly giving gifts to one another. It adds an element of surprise and excitement to the celebration, as participants try to guess who their secret friends might be.
Celebrations extend to the workplace as well, where colleagues, including bosses, come together to mark the occasion. It is very common to have snacks and drinks, with colleagues bringing various treats, from homemade goodies to store-bought snacks, creating a festive atmosphere. The day is also marked by light-hearted activities such as games or team-building exercises that encourage interaction and bonding among staff members.
Let’s commemorate this special day with joy, laughter, and memories with that special person who stands by you through both difficult and joyful moments!
