The Cultural Festival – Carrulim Day edition is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 1 August 2026, within the bustling environment of Asunción’s Mercado 4. Consequently, this celebration will offer a rich programme that combines gastronomy, cultural activities, and special commercial offers for all attendees. The event runs from 07:00 to 14:00, giving visitors a full day to enjoy entertainment and tradition.
The festival aims to honour a deeply rooted Paraguayan tradition. Carrulim Ára, or Carrulim Day, takes place every year on the first of August. The day revolves around the consumption of a specific drink, carrulim. This traditional beverage is a potent mixture of caña (a distilled spirit from sugarcane), rue, and lime.
The tasting and sale of the traditional carrulim drink
The main stage for the day’s activities will be the Pettirossi area, specifically between Battilana and República Francesa streets. This section of Mercado 4 will be transformed into a vibrant festival ground. Organisers will install numerous stands dedicated to showcasing a wide array of culinary delights. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample both typical Paraguayan dishes and a variety of international cuisines, catering to diverse palates. A central feature of the gastronomic offering will be the tasting and sale of the traditional carrulim drink.
This particular activity will be concentrated in the renowned Paseo de los Yuyos, or the Yuyo Walk. This well-known part of the market is famous for its vendors who specialise in medicinal herbs and traditional remedies. During the festival, it will become the epicentre for those wishing to partake in the Carrulim Ára tradition.
Live performances and entertainment
In addition to the food and drink, the festival will feature a schedule of live artistic performances to entertain the public. The cultural programme begins in the mid-morning, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the market. At 10:00, the Municipal Folk Ensemble performs traditional Paraguayan music, bringing local musical traditions to the forefront. Following their performance, the Municipal Band and the Municipal Folk Ballet will take the stage together at 10:30, offering a dynamic display of music and dance.
The musical entertainment will continue with a performance by Saxofón Urbano at 11:00. This varied lineup ensures that there will be something for everyone to enjoy, from enthusiasts of traditional folklore to fans of more contemporary instrumental music.
Commercial opportunities and promotions
Beyond the cultural and gastronomic elements, the event serves a key commercial purpose for the vendors of Mercado 4. A special shopping circuit will be active for an extended period, operating from 05:00 to 17:00. This allows visitors ample time to explore the market’s vast offerings both before and after the main festival hours. Numerous shops and stalls throughout the supply centre will participate by providing special promotions and offers on their products.
The Directorate of Zonal Markets has extended a warm invitation to all citizens to participate in this 1 August special edition of the festival.
