Paraguay’s National Secretariat of Culture (SNC) will host the official opening of a temporary home for the traders of La Recova on Saturday, 29 August. The event will take place at 16:00 in the Central Hall of the Asunción Port Cultural Centre. This inauguration of La Recova artisans’ temporary space is part of the Folcloreando festival and will feature live music, folk dance, and a ceremony honouring the historic workers of the traditional commercial corridor.
The relocation allows for the extensive restoration of the original La Recova building to proceed without interrupting the vendors’ commercial activities. Shoppers can now find the well-known artisan stalls on the ground floor of the cultural centre. The temporary shops are open from Monday to Saturday, between 08:30 and 18:00.
La Recova artisans’ temporary space: A festive inauguration
The opening ceremony will begin with a presentation by Cynthia Melgarejo, the general coordinator of the Tekorenda Programme, who will outline the process of the temporary relocation. Following this, the Minister of Culture, Adriana Ortiz Semidei, will present awards to the La Recova shops and their workers, recognising their long-standing presence and contribution to the city’s culture.
In addition, the programme will include performances by musicians and dancers from the National Secretariat of Culture. The event will culminate with a presentation by the National Folklore Ensemble. Afterwards, attendees will be invited to tour the new commercial spaces installed at the port.
Restoring a historic city landmark
The vendors’ move to the Port Cultural Centre is a crucial step that allows for the restoration and enhancement of the historic La Recova building. This significant conservation project involves comprehensive work on the building’s façades, galleries, floors, plasterwork, and mouldings. Furthermore, the project includes upgrades to the lighting and improvements to accessibility.
The relocation also revitalises the historic connection between La Recova and this part of Asunción. Construction on the original building began in 1861, when it was known as the Nueva Aduana de la Rivera (New Riverside Customs House). For many years, its function was closely tied to the movement of people and goods associated with the port and the railway, making it a key hub for commerce and urban development. Over time, the building solidified its identity as a traditional marketplace for national handicrafts and products.
The Tekorenda heritage programme
The restoration project is being carried out under the framework of the Tekorenda Programme, a government initiative for the urgent safeguarding of Paraguay’s material cultural heritage. The programme is coordinated by the National Secretariat of Culture and involves several key partners. These include Itaipu Binacional, the Itaipu Technology Park, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), and the United Nations Development Programme (PNUD).
The primary objective of the temporary space at the port is to support the vendors throughout the restoration process. It ensures the continuity of their businesses while the vital conservation work on the historic building is completed.
