The festival of San Juan, celebrated every year on June 24th, is one of Paraguay’s most popular festivities. Known locally as ‘San Juan Ara’ in Guarani, this event blends traditional Spanish customs with Guarani traditions, creating unique cultural experiences. The celebration is renowned for its delectable foods and lively games. The rich mixture of religious and traditional elements makes it a particular Paraguayan festival.
The origin of San Juan
This festival has its roots in pre-Columbian times when indigenous peoples performed ceremonies to welcome the cold in the southern hemisphere. With the arrival of the Jesuit missionaries, this feast became Christianized and was established on the 24th of June, the date on which the Bible considers St. John the Baptist was born.
1. Traditional Games and Dances
The San Juan Festival traditionally starts on the night of the 23rd of June with music, singing, dancing, and games. The protagonists of this tradition are the ‘Sun’ and the ‘Fire’, and that is why many of the games are linked to fire.
- Tata Ari Jehasa: A fire-walking ritual where participants walk barefoot over hot coals, demonstrating their faith and courage.
- Yvyra syi: This consists of climbing a tall, greased or soaped pole, on the top, there are various prizes, and participants compete to climb the pole in search of these prizes.
- Toro Candil: A bull costume made of cardboard and decorated with lighted candles is driven by a person who runs among the participants trying to scare them.
- Judas Kai: One of the most awaited events during the festival. A rag doll is hung by its neck on a tall pole and is burnt. This doll represents Judas Iscariot who in the bible is known as the person who betrayed Jesus.
- Pelota tata: A ball made of rags the size of a football is used, soaked in alcohol or fuel, set on fire and kicked between the participants to test their courage and skill, while the audience cheers and celebrates.
- Vosa Race: Competitors get into waist-high bags and grab the ends of the bag with their hands and start running while jumping.
2. Paraguayan traditional gastronomy
Many typical Paraguayan winter foods can be tasted in this festival season – and some of them are only sold at the San Juan Ara!
- Pastel Mandi’o or Empanada de Mandica (non-vegetarian)
- Mbeju con cocido (vegetarian)
- Chicharõ trenzado (non-vegetarian): Chicharõ in guarani is the cut of meat from flank steak, and as the name says ‘trenzado’ which means braid in Spanish, a braid is made from this strips of meat.
- Payagua mascada (non-vegetarian): It’s a Delicious traditional Paraguayan fried Patty, made by minced meat and spring onions.
- Chipa Kavure or Chipa Asador (vegetarian)
- Butifarra (non-vegetarian): A white sausage, made with fatty pork, often cooked in asado. Locals like to eat with Cassava better known here as ‘Mandioca’.
Festival of San Juan: Where to go in Asunción?
Here are the places to experience the Festival of San Juan Ara in Asunción:
Colegio Campoalto: To start, you can visit a School in Asunción. In Paraguay, it is very common to organize San Juan by students. And generally, people from outside are also welcome to the event. The festival is on Friday, June 21st starting from 5 PM.
Address: Las Perlas 4686, Asunción
Plaza de Armas: The downtown of Asunción is hosting the Festival on Saturday 22nd. The event is going to start early at 10 AM. The park ‘Plaza de Armas’ will be the central point of this event to enjoy the best live music, dances, and traditional games. The gastronomy will be constituted with a great attraction of more than 60 stands.
Address: Paraguayo Independiente and 14 de Mayo, Asunción.
Shopping Multiplaza: The ‘San Juanazo’ is also hosting the festival from 11 AM, on the same day Saturday 22nd. This festival promises a full day of traditions, typical foods, and live shows!
Address: Avenue Eusebio Ayala 4501, Asunción
Shopping Mariscal: On Sunday, June 23rd, the San Juan festival will be celebrated at the Mariscal Shopping centre. The festivities will run from noon 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM, featuring a lively array of cultural activities, Paraguayan dance performances, and variety of stands offering traditional Paraguayan dishes. Entrance is free, so why not to come and enjoy a day of vibrant celebration and delicious food!!
Address: Quesada 5050, Asunción
IMPORTANT: The road San Roque Gonzales (the road next to the Shopping Mariscal) will be closed due to this Festival.
More festivities in Asunción
Saturday 22nd June 2024
- Harley Club Paraguay: On the street Coronel Ramon Diaz and Dr. Toribio Pacheco (HCP Sede Asunción), from 3 PM.
- Parroquia San Vicente de Paul: On the street Juan Zorrilla de San Martin and Padre Juan N. Casanello, from 5 PM.
- Shopping Villa Morra: Avenue Mariscal Lopez 3794, from 5 PM
- Compañía de bomberos (The firefighters organization): They celebrate at 6:30 PM at Street Capitan Julio Cesar Rivas and Rio Pilcomayo.
Sunday 23rd June 2024
- Escalinata Jose de Antequera y Castro: Street Manuel Dominguez and Fulgencio R. Moreno, from 3 PM.
- Capilla San Juan Batista: Street San Juan XXIII and Avenue San Martin, starting from 6 PM
- Club Emiliano R. Fernandez: Setreet R.C 3 Cnel. Mongelos & Dr. Toribio Pachero, from 7 PM.
Other selected events:
- On Saturday the 29th, at 8 AM, the Sampedrano Center holds its celebration at Lieutenant Manuel Gonzalez and Luis Miranda.
- The Loma San Jeronimo neighborhood organizes its festival on Sunday 30th, starting at 9 AM on the street between Remigio Cabral, Diaz de Pefaur, and Stella Maris Avenue.
- La Casa de España also performs the same day starting at 10 AM at Juana Pabla Carrillo almost Sacramento in the Trinidad neighborhood.
- Mbigua National Regatta Club is having it on next month July 6th, starting at 6 PM at its headquarters in the San Miguel bank.
Enjoy!
