Asunción is preparing for a week of celebrations marking the 215th anniversary of National Independence. Authorities have highlighted a coordinated programme that brings together activities across heritage sites, cultural centres, streets, theatres, museums, and public squares.
A city-wide programme
The programme includes concerts, fairs, cinema screenings, talks, masterclasses, theatre, literature, and gastronomy. Activities will take place along Palma Street, at the House of Independence, and the National Archives. Furthermore, events will be held at the National Pantheon of the Heroes, Manzana de la Rivera, and Espacio Cultural Staudt. As a result, the city centre will become a central stage for historical reflection and cultural exchange.
Events from 11 to 15 May 2026
11 MAY
Telling History: Reading of Chronicles and Historical Accounts – 19:00
Students from the IMA School of Public Speaking present historical readings and performances near the National Pantheon of the Heroes. The activity revisits key moments and figures from Paraguayan history through storytelling and oral interpretation.
ASACIVAPA Artisans’ Fair – 07:00 to 22:00
The ASACIVAPA Artisans’ Fair gathers local artisans in Asunción to showcase handmade products, crafts, and traditional creations. The fair encourages support for local craftsmanship and offers visitors a direct connection to Paraguayan cultural production.
12 MAY
HÁA VY’AVETE – Beethoven’s 9th Symphony – 20:00
One of the most significant cultural highlights of the festivities, this concert presents the world premiere of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony translated into Guaraní. Performed at the Ignacio A. Pane Municipal Theatre, the event combines classical music with Paraguay’s linguistic and cultural identity.
Chacatours – Historical – 10:00 and 16:30
Chacatours invites visitors to explore the Chacarita neighbourhood through a community-led experience focused on local history, art, music, and gastronomy. Residents guide participants through one of Asunción’s most emblematic areas while sharing stories and traditions.
Expo Patria Handicrafts Fair – 08:00 to 22:00
Continuing throughout the celebrations, the Expo Patria Handicrafts Fair offers visitors the opportunity to discover Paraguayan artisan products and support local creators in a festive public setting.
ASACIVAPA Artisans’ Fair – 07:00 to 22:00
The artisans’ fair continues with exhibitions of traditional crafts and handmade products, creating a space for cultural exchange and economic support for local artisans.
13 MAY
That 1811 – 08:30 to 12:00
Held at the House of Independence in Asunción, this historical activity revisits events linked to Paraguay’s emancipation movement. Visitors can explore educational and cultural presentations inspired by the year 1811.
City Tour, Historic Centre – 17:00, 18:00 and 19:00
This guided walking tour explores the historic centre of Asunción, introducing visitors to important landmarks, architecture, and stories connected to Paraguay’s national heritage.
Palma Vy’a Fair – Time to be confirmed
The Palma Vy’a Fair transforms Palma Street into a festive public space with music, gastronomy, cultural performances, and family-friendly entertainment during the national celebrations.
Secrets of the Palace with Lowering of the Flag – 18:00
This guided tour inside the Government Palace explores Paraguayan political history, architecture, and heritage before concluding with the ceremonial lowering of the national flag.
14 MAY
Raising of the National Flag – 07:30
The official raising of the national flag at the Government Palace includes military honours, a 21-gun salute, aircraft flyovers, and performances by military bands. Later, from 15:00 to 19:00 military bands perform patriotic music near the Pantheon of the Heroes in a public musical tribute.
Opening of the National Archives with the exhibition “A Jewel in the Midst of War” – 08:00 to 00:00
A special exhibition featuring historical documents and artefacts connected to Paraguay’s wartime history.
Special Museum Opening Hours at Manzana de la Rivera – 09:00 to 17:00
Museums and cultural spaces at Manzana de la Rivera offer extended opening hours for visitors during the Independence celebrations.
Flavours Fair – 09:00 to 00:00
The Flavours Fair combines Paraguayan gastronomy with dishes from international communities in a multicultural food festival near the Cabildo.
Book Fair at Espacio Cultural Staudt – 10:00 to 20:00
This literary fair brings together writers, publishers, and readers while promoting indigenous, Afro-descendant, and contemporary Paraguayan literature.
Paraguayan Film Festival – 17:00
The Paraguayan Film Festival screens national films and audiovisual productions at Manzana de la Rivera.
Ñande Cine – 20:30
Outdoor screenings of Paraguayan films provide a free cultural activity for families and visitors at Turista Róga Costanera.
Guided Restoration Tours at La Recova – 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, and 15:00
Architects and archaeologists guide visitors through the restoration works taking place at the historic Recova corridor. The Recova corridor hosts cultural activities promoting artisan products and local businesses.
Palmear Fair – 11:00 to 23:00
The Palmear Fair transforms Palma Street into a large cultural space filled with gastronomy, music, crafts, and family-friendly activities.
Jahapa (Let’s go) by boat – 09:30, 11:00, and 13:30
Boat tours along the Paraguay River allow visitors to enjoy views of Asunción and the Héroes del Chaco Bridge during the celebrations.
Opening of the House of Independence Museum – National Festivities 2026 – 08:00 to 00:00
The House of Independence Museum offers special opening hours during the national festivities, allowing visitors to explore one of Paraguay’s most important historic landmarks.
15 May
Special Museum Opening Hours at Manzana de la Rivera – 09:00 to 17:00
Museums at Manzana de la Rivera continue welcoming visitors with extended opening hours during the national festivities.
ONAMP Concert in Front of the Pantheon – 20:00
The National Orchestra of Paraguayan Popular Music performs a public concert in front of the Pantheon of the Heroes.
Ñande Cine – 20:30
Outdoor screenings of Paraguayan films provide a free cultural activity for families and visitors at Turista Róga Costanera.
Palmear Fair – 11:00 to 23:00
The Palmear Fair continues with cultural activities, performances, gastronomy, and artisan products along Palma Street.
Jahapa (Let’s go) by Boat – 09:30, 11:00, and 13:30
Boat tours continue operating from the Asunción waterfront during the Independence festivities.
You can check the full programme through the National Cultural Agenda, Agendarte on Instagram.
