The 1A Ycuá Bolaños Memorial Site and Cultural Centre has announced a programme of commemorative activities to mark the 22nd anniversary of the Ycuá Bolaños supermarket tragedy. The disaster, which claimed the lives of 400 people, remains one of the deadliest in Paraguay’s history. Running from 23 July to 1 August, 2026, the programme will combine acts of remembrance, artistic performances, and community participation while recognising those who have supported victims, survivors, and their families over the past two decades.
The commemorative programme was presented by the Management Council of the Memorial Site, made up of victims’ and relatives’ organisations, the National Secretariat of Culture (SNC), and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF). Representatives of affected families and public authorities also attended the launch.
What happened on 1 August 2004?
The Ycuá Bolaños tragedy occurred on 1 August 2004, when a fire broke out inside the supermarket in Asunción. As flames spread rapidly through the building, many exits were reportedly closed, trapping customers and employees inside. The disaster killed 400 people, injured more than 500, and left six people missing. The chain of events led to years of legal proceedings and prompted greater public discussion on fire safety, emergency preparedness, and corporate responsibility in Paraguay.
Christian Olmedo, a member of the Management Council, said organisations representing victims’ families and survivors continue to organise activities throughout the year to honour those affected by the tragedy.
“All activities are public, free of charge and open to everyone,” Olmedo stated. He also emphasised the importance of linking the memory of the tragedy with current issues such as fire prevention and strengthening a culture of public safety.
Vigils, art and main ceremony
The programme will begin with a Novena, held daily from 23 to 31 July between 18:00 and 19:00. The gatherings will include the recitation of the Rosary, a symbolic vigil and reflections connected to the anniversary. On 31 July, the memorial will host Art for Memory, an open tribute featuring artists and members of the community. The event will also showcase the final presentation of the Memory Theatre Workshop.
The main commemorative ceremony will take place on 1 August from 10:00 to 12:00. It will honour the 400 victims, more than 300 survivors, and the six people who remain missing. The ceremony will feature artistic performances, speeches by authorities, a symbolic tribute, the reading of a manifesto by victims’ families and an ecumenical service.
New visual identity unveiled
Alongside the commemorative programme, the memorial site also introduced its new visual identity, developed through a design competition organised with the Paraguayan Creative Circle. The winning proposal, created by designer Iara Campos, will form the basis of the institution’s branding and future communications. The memorial will also adopt the informal name Ykua 1A, while retaining its official title, 1A Ycuá Bolaños Memorial Site and Cultural Centre.
The design draws inspiration from the site’s 400 beams of light reflected in its central water feature, representing each life lost in the tragedy. An oval shape symbolises memory, light, and the ripples of water, while expanding lines subtly evoke the number 400. The visual identity also incorporates the letters “Y” and “K” from Ykua and uses a colour palette inspired by water, light, and remembrance.
All commemorative activities will be free of charge and open to the public, taking place at the 1A Ycuá Bolaños Memorial Site and Cultural Centre as part of its ongoing work to preserve memory and encourage public participation.
