Paraguay closes the year with a cultural agenda full of tradition, music, gastronomy and unique experiences. This last weekend of December, four festivals are being held that stand out for their history, originality and ability to bring together the local community and interest visitors from all over.
On Saturday, December 28, the Sirena Lake Festival will take place in Cerrito, Ñeembucú, starting at 8pm. This event, which began in 2009, is known for its unique “floating stage”, where artists perform while the public enjoys from the beach. With a combination of folk music, traditional dances and the participation of international groups, the festival managed to become an icon of the region, except in 2015, when a flood prevented the festival from taking place.
At the same time, Coronel Bogado in Itapúa, will be the scene of the National Chipá Festival, which will also begin at 8pm at the Defensores Club. This festival, born in the 1980s, has more than 30 editions dedicated to highlighting the chipá, the culinary symbol of the city. In addition to folk music, visitors will be able to taste the best preparations of this traditional food at the stand of the Coronel Bogado Chiperos Association.
Earlier, in Santa Rosa de Lima, Misiones, the Chastaka Roseña Festival will take place, starting at 9am in Plaza Mariscal Estigarribia. This event seeks to revalue the cultural heritage that combines Guaraní and Jesuit traditions. Chastaka, sun-dried meat with natural seasonings, is the star dish of this festival that includes cultural activities in an environment that celebrates the identity of the Roseña.
On Sunday, December 29, Nueva Londres in Caaguazú, will close the day with the Fiesta del Tujú , which will begin at 2pm in the Central Plaza. This event, which is part of the town’s patron saint festivities, mixes music, art and a peculiar homage to mud, known in Guaraní as “tujú.” According to historical versions, the tradition was born in the 1970s as a spontaneous community celebration in the middle of the mud, and today it remains as a festivity that combines fun and tradition.
These events represent the cultural richness of Paraguay, offering unique experiences in each region. They invite locals and tourists to enjoy a weekend full of art, tradition and gastronomy to bid farewell to the year in the best way.
