Every year, in Yguazú, Alto Paraná, the Japanese community of Yguazú hosts Natsubon, a vibrant festival that brings the spirit of Japan’s summer traditions to Paraguay. Known as the largest Japanese festival in Alto Paraná, Natsubon is a cultural showcase featuring music, dance, food, and traditional ceremonies that unite locals and visitors in celebration.
This year’s festival will take place on Saturday, December 14, beginning at 6pm at the Japanese School of Yguazú. The venue is located near the Petrobras station, 42 kilometers before arriving at Ciudad del Este from Asunción.
Natsubon: Honoring Tradition and Community
Organised by the Japanese Association of Yguazú, ‘’Natsubon’’ preserves and promotes Japanese traditions while fostering a sense of community within Alto Paraná. The festival blends traditional practices, such as the traditional dance ‘’Bon Odori’’, with local adaptations to create a unique cultural experience.
“Natsubon is more than a celebration; it’s a bridge between the past and the present, between Japan and Paraguay,” explains one of the organisers.
Natsubon Festival Highlights
The Natsubon festival offers an exciting lineup of activities and attractions that celebrate Japanese culture in vibrant and engaging ways. One of the evening’s main events is the ‘’Bon Odori’’, a traditional Japanese dance performed in a circle around a central tower, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of ‘’taiko’’ drummers. This lively and inclusive performance encourages everyone to join in and experience the joy of communal dancing.
Another standout feature is the Omikoshi parade. For adults, the Omikoshi is a grand and imposing portable shrine, carried with strength and energy, embodying resilience and the festive spirit of the event. In contrast, for children, a smaller and adorable Omikoshi is prepared, creating a charming and heartwarming scene as the young participants eagerly take part in the celebration, adding their own joy and enthusiasm to the parade.
The festival also includes cultural competitions, with awards given in categories such as best costume, best dancer, most elegant, most fun, and most enthusiastic. These contests, open to junior, adult, and veteran divisions, add an element of friendly rivalry while celebrating creativity and spirit.
The festival will feature a variety of Japanese dishes, alongside innovative fusion dishes that blend Japanese and Paraguayan flavors. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy both traditional Japanese cuisine and unique culinary creations that combine the best of both cultures, offering a delightful experience for food lovers.
Those interested in cultural artefacts can browse the stalls and purchase unique items. From anime goods to traditional masks and other handmade items, visitors can take home a piece of Natsubon.
Natsubon Tickets and Accessibility
Tickets are priced at Gs. 15,000, and food and drink vouchers will be available for purchase on-site.
The Spirit of Obon
‘’Natsubon’’, modeled after Japan’s Obon Matsuri (Obon Festival), is celebrated during the summer, which is why it is called ‘’Natsubon’’—with Natsu meaning “summer” in Japanese. The festival has Buddhist origins and is traditionally a time to honor deceased ancestors.
This is the rare opportunity to experience the beauty of Japanese culture in Paraguay. Whether you come to dance, savor delicious food, or immerse yourself in a unique cultural tradition, the festival promises an unforgettable evening.
Find out more on the official Natsubon Instagram account, or on the Instagram for the Yguazu Japanese Association.
