The Takuare’ẽ Festival, officially titled “Paraguay and the World sing and dance in Guarambaré”, is celebrating its 48th edition in 2025, extending its status as one of Paraguay’s most cherished traditional folkloric events. Supported by the Culture, Tourism and Crafts Funds – Atyguasu – Paraguay Festivals 2025, the festival originated in 1977 in the city of Guarambaré, in the Central department. The festival highlight arrives on Saturday, 1 November, from 20:00, with a gala presenting winners from over 40 categories in music, singing, dance, and poetry.
The festival in Guarambaré, located around 28 kilometres from Asunción, pays homage to the local residents, whose primary livelihood has historically revolved around sugar cane, known as “takuare’ẽ” in Guaraní langauge. What began as a youthful aspiration has grown into an international showcase.
Takuare’ẽ Festival: From local roots to global stage
The Takuare’ẽ Festival has transformed from humble beginnings into a platform uniting artists from Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and beyond. Organised by the Takuare’ẽ Cultural Association, it kicks off in May with preliminary rounds held across various locations in Paraguay and abroad.
The climax unfolds in November over three intense days at the Luis Alberto de Herrera Club. This year’s 48th edition commenced on 25 October, featuring competitions in categories including vocal and instrumental soloists (guitar, harp, requinto), duos, trios, and traditional dance groups.
Winners are recognised for folkloric excellence with prizes such as the “Takuare’ẽ Poty de Oro”. With over 11,000 social media followers, the festival delights audiences through fusions of Paraguayan polkas, guaranias, and dances that honour Guarani identity.
Tributes to cultural icons and centenaries
The 2025 edition honours the centenary of several artistic luminaries, including Máxima Lugo, dubbed “The Queen of Paraguayan Evenings” and a pinnacle of popular theatre; composer, pianist, and conductor Florentín Giménez; composer and singer Ramón Vargas Colmán; composer, musician, and singer Andrés Cuenca Saldívar; guitarist, composer, and singer Martín Escalante; guitarist, singer, and composer Juan Alfonso Ramírez; and singer, guitarist, and composer Valerio Quintana Sosa.
Further tributes mark 100 years since the first guarania, “Jejuí”, composed by José Asunción Flores in January 1925, alongside the centenary of violinist, cellist, and composer Bonifacio Román Valdez.
The festival also celebrates living honorees: Guarambareña educator Prof. Luz Marina Núñez Ozuna; artisan Aurelia Escobar Mancuello; announcer and cultural promoter Sixto Heriberto López; musician and promoter Walter Rodolfo Basaldúa Martínez, known as “Papi Basaldúa”; and theatre actor Pablo Riveros from Ymaguare Popular Theater “Claudio Montaña Ferrer” Popular Radio Theater.
The Grand Finale: A night of triumph and tradition
The highlight arrives on Saturday, 1 November, from 20:00, with a gala presenting winners from over 40 categories in music, singing, dance, and poetry. Competitors scoring above 9 will vie for the coveted Takuare’ẽ de Oro (Golden Takuare’ẽ).
The evening opens with César Miguel González Suárez leading the anthem, followed by the artistic company Desde el Alma. Performances will include local and invited groups, the CCR – Cabildo Paraguay representative, and the orchestra of Juan Ramón González and his Group.
The Winners 2025 – Gold Takuare’ê Competition block will take the stage, leading into tributes to living honorees and centenarians. The central opening features the Aida Virginia Foundation Folklore Cast and the Takuare’ê Poty de Oro 2024 – Paraguayan Polka National Couple 2024/2025: Paola Cañete and Marcos Acosta.
Harvests, awards, and practical details
The Takuare’ê Harvests segment will showcase past winners, complemented by invited groups. The night concludes with awards for 2025 victors, the Takuare’ê de Oro 2025 presentation, and the grand finale.
General admission tickets cost Gs. 30,000 (approximately US$4), granting access to various exhibitions. The venue is the Luis Alberto de Herrera Club Social Headquarters at Fulgencio Yegros e/ Tte. Leandro Pineda and Lt. Domínguez, Guarambaré, Paraguay, behind the Guarambaré Municipal Market.
For more information, find the Takuare’ẽ Festival on Instagram, or contact Alberto Ayala at 0986 894080 or via email: festivaldeltakuaree@gmail.com.
