Hohenau, Paraguay’s “Capital of Immigrants”, held the 13th National Collectivity Festival. The event was organised from 26, to 28 of September 2025 in the Nation’s Park. This annual festival is a vibrant three-day spectacle that celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures that founded and continue to enrich this corner of Paraguay’s Itapúa Department. The event is a crucial pillar of the region’s identity, showcasing a unique and successful model of multicultural integration.
Declared of National Touristic Interest, the festival is vital not only for reflecting the region’s multicultural identity but also for boosting the local economy and tourism. Thousands of visitors were present daily. the Collectivity Festival stands as a shining example of how diverse roots can come together to form a strong, unified, and proud Paraguayan community.
Hohenau and its immigration legacy
The very essence of the Collectivity Festival lies in the history of Hohenau and the surrounding United Colonies (Colonias Unidas). The United Colonies also include the nearby towns of Obligado and Bella Vista. Founded in 1900 primarily by German colonists, the region quickly became a beacon for immigration. Over the 20th century, successive waves of settlers from various European and Asian nations arrived. These immigrants were drawn by the fertile land and the government’s welcoming policies aimed at rebuilding the country after devastating wars.
This influx of people created a singular demographic reality. Today, the Collectivity Festival celebrates the contributions of at least ten distinct collectivities, including Paraguayan. German, Brazilian, Japanese, Ukrainian, Polish, Belgian, Swiss, Italian, and Argentinian are highlighted. The event’s main objective is to “rescue the ancestral culture and tradition” of these founders, transforming a history of migration into a powerful, living exhibition of shared heritage. Hohenau is also an event haut-lieu, having welcomed part of the World Rally Championship.
Transforming Hohenau into a global town
The Collectivty Festival is much more than a historical commemoration. The event is a dynamic celebration that transforms Hohenau into a global town. The festival kicked off with an official opening and culminated in a traditional parade of collectivities down the main avenue to the Parque de las Naciones.
One of the main attractions was the expansive culinary offering. Each stand represented a collectivity. This format provided a unique opportunity to sample a wide array of traditional dishes and beverages from various continents, often prepared according to ancestral recipes.
Traditional music and folk dances
The stage hosted continuous performances of traditional music and folk dances. Festival-goers were able to enjoy everything from high-energy Polkas and Chamamé to meticulously choreographed German, Ukrainian, and Japanese dances. All the dancers and signers were performing in their elaborate traditional costumes. Local groups, municipal ballets were also participating.
This edition was a frank success and the organisers are already planning next year edition. You can follow the Collectivity Festival on Instagram for pictures, videos, and information about next year’s event coming in the near future.
