Paraguay showcased its rich cultural heritage at the prestigious Split International Folklore Festival in Croatia. The event, held in the city of Split, brought together performers from across the globe, including South Korea, India, Northern Cyprus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Colombia, and Paraguay.
Enrique Carreras, Paraguay’s Ambassador for Culture and Tourism in Japan, led a delegation of six talented harpists from his institute in Tokyo. Carreras, along with his wife Arisa (also a harpist), their daughters Karin and Sarah, and Japanese students Mika and Riru, proudly shared Paraguayan music on the international stage.
“With Arisa, my wife, also a harpist, our daughters Karin and Sarah, and our Japanese students Mika and Riru, we proudly shared Paraguayan music on this international stage. It was an unforgettable experience that reaffirms the power of art as a bridge between cultures,” said Carreras.
Split International Folklore Festival
The Split International Folklore Festival is one of the most important cultural events in the region, celebrating the diversity and heritage of different nations through music, dance, and traditional costumes. Each edition provides a unique platform for cultural exchange, strengthening ties between countries and promoting respect for ancestral traditions.
The Paraguayan participation included a vibrant display of traditional dance that was enthusiastically received by the Croatian audience. The Paraguayan dancers offered a joyful and colourful spectacle, standing out amongst the international delegations. Earlier this year, Paraguayan tereré and Ñandutí charmed visitors at Expo 2025 Osaka.
Meeting of Ambassadors
The event also marked a memorable meeting between Estrella Godoy de Gubo, Paraguay’s Ambassador for Culture and Tourism in Vienna, and Carreras, who united to represent their country in this demonstration of national identity and tradition.
“Paraguay’s presence at this festival reaffirms the country’s commitment to the international promotion of cultural tourism, and highlights the talent of its artists as ambassadors of national identity,” concluded Carreras.
Last week, Carreras gave a large concert at the Asunción Municipal Theatre with 20 Japanese students who had visited the land of the harp, which they call ‘Arpalandia’.
For more information find the Split International Folklore Festival on Instagram.
