While many of us stroll through a city, glancing up at its contemporary buzz, one individual is dedicated to looking back. Born in Asunción and now residing in nearby Lambaré, Mirian Velázquez is a graduate in Business Administration who has turned a long-standing personal hobby into a captivating public showcase. The 29-year-old is the manager of the popular Asunción Old Instagram page, showcasing the past and present of Paraguay’s capital.
In slightly more than two years, Asunción Old on Instagram grew over 12,5K followers.
The beginning of Asunción Old
The Instagram page started in 2023, but Mirian has been taking urban pictures for nine years.
“I am not a professional photographer; I just like sharing what I am passionate about,” she says. A labour of love driven by a deep-seated passion. Since the beginning, her focus has been squarely on the majestic, often forgotten, architecture of the capital and other Paraguayan cities.
“What I like best about Asunción is its old architecture, because it is full of history and details that often go unnoticed.”
Revalorising the past
With the Asunción Old page, the desire is to share a unique perspective. Mirian’s photographs focus on structures that are steeped in historical and cultural significance.
“Through my perspective, I want to show and put across photos of the old architecture in Asunción and other cities across Paraguay. This architecture has a historical and cultural significance that really deserves to be highlighted,” she says.
The purpose is profound: to re-evaluate the country’s architectural heritage. By drawing attention to the intricate details, the project aims to foster a strong sense of belonging among the people. Thus, securing the collective memory for future generations.
“The aim is to re-evaluate this heritage and, by doing that, create a sense of belonging, so that more people can admire the details and see the importance of preserving our collective memory.”
Hunting for hidden gems
In Mirian’s Asunción Old Instagram page, you can see many pictures and short videos of the historical buildings in the city centre. While it is interesting to see what they look like now, it is also interesting to see what they looked like in the past. This passion for the past means the account is not just about modern photography; it also features “old photos,” which the creator finds to be true gems.
“I find some pictures in old architecture and Paraguayan history books in libraries. Some people also send me photos via private message on the page.”
Additionally, online, there are more and more places to look at pictures from the past. Apart from Asunción Old, the Fotos Antiguas e Historias del Paraguay Facebook page is a place to find almost everything you are looking for. Many newcomers and locals in Paraguay have been looking up this page for years to see the evolution of their cities and countries.
Furthermore, you can learn more in this article about the History Of Asunción: From Its Founding To Today.
Looking ahead
Mirian’s memory-keeping project is set to expand. There are plans to broaden the Asunción photo series. “I am thinking of expanding the photo series on Asunción with a more in-depth focus. I want to explore specific areas of the city and look at how they have evolved.”
She adds that she would like to make the Asunción Old project more collaborative. “I would also like to share photographs from the page’s followers. I reckon it is important that we can all contribute our perspectives. Through the followers’ photos, the city can be viewed from different angles.”
Then, the account will transform into a living, collaborative visual history. An authentic tapestry of perspectives that reflects how different people view and appreciate the city they call home.
