Paraguay’s Independence celebrations may officially peak on 14 and 15 May, but cultural activities across Asunción continue. From guided tours to live music and museum experiences, there are still plenty of opportunities to explore Paraguay’s history. For residents and visitors interested in discovering more about Paraguayan culture, several institutions across the capital are offering events that combine education with entertainment.
Historical experiences continue across Asunción
17 May
The day opens with “Alas Urbanas”, a guided birdwatching experience at 07:00 in the Parque de la Salud. Organised with SENATUR and local nature observers, the activity promotes environmental awareness while exploring urban biodiversity in Asunción.
At 10:00 and 11:00, visitors can join “Secretos del Palacio”, a guided historical tour of the Palacio de López. The experience offers insight into the political and architectural history of Paraguay’s presidential palace.
The day closes with “Desde mi tierra” at 19:00 at the Teatro Municipal Ignacio A. Pane. This performance combines music and dance rooted in Paraguayan tradition, offering a staged reflection of national identity.
18 May
At 11:00, the Centro Cultural Manzana de la Rivera hosts a special museum experience combining guided visits and live folk music. The activity celebrates International Museum Day and highlights Paraguay’s cultural heritage through its historical collections and performances. This event focuses on connecting audiences with memory, art, and storytelling inside one of Asunción’s most important heritage centres.
23 May
At 10:00 and 15:00, “Moldeando con mamá” invites families to take part in a hands-on clay modelling workshop at Taller Liza Crea. The activity encourages intergenerational participation and highlights traditional and contemporary approaches to craft-making in Paraguay.
Later the same day, Paraguayan classical guitarist Berta Rojas will perform at the Gran Teatro José Asunción Flores. The concert marks the culmination of The Journey of Strings, her latest international project that brought together musicians from across South America and toured more than ten countries.
In this new chapter, alongside fellow artists who were part of the journey and collaborators from emerging generations, Rojas proposes a musical evening dedicated to what she describes as “hugging the Paraguayan strings,” blending technical mastery with cultural storytelling through the guitar.
24 May
From 07:30, SENATUR presents the “Circuito de la Filigrana + Tallado”, a full-day cultural tour exploring Luque’s renowned filigree jewellery and wood carving traditions. Departing from Turista Róga Costanera, the route introduces participants to artisan workshops and techniques that form part of Paraguay’s intangible cultural heritage. The experience highlights the continuity of craftsmanship in local identity.
28 May
At 20:00, the Gran Teatro del Banco Central del Paraguay hosts the 3rd International Season Concert / “Resurrección”, featuring Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2. The concert brings together orchestral musicians and choral ensembles in one of the most ambitious classical music presentations of the season, reinforcing Asunción’s growing role in international cultural programming.
Ongoing cultural spaces worth visiting
In addition to scheduled events, several cultural institutions remain open during this period and are central to understanding Paraguayan history:
- The Museo Casa de la Independencia, where the events of 1811 are interpreted through preserved historical spaces.
- The Centro Cultural Manzana de la Rivera continues offering exhibitions and guided museum experiences.
- The Museo del Barro is one of the country’s most important collections of indigenous, popular, and contemporary art.
These institutions provide a deeper, permanent layer of historical understanding beyond the May festivities.
A city still in celebration
Although the central Independence Day commemorations take place on 14 and 15 May, Asunción’s cultural calendar extends well into the following weeks. The combination of guided tours, artistic performances, workshops, and museum activities ensures that Paraguay’s history remains accessible in multiple forms. For those looking to understand Paraguay beyond official ceremonies, these events offer an open invitation to explore the country’s cultural identity from different perspectives.
