The 2026 edition of the ORE Indigenous Art And Craft Fair will take place on 25 and 26 of April in Asunción. Paraguay continues to strengthen its cultural agenda with the return of one of its most meaningful events. It offers a unique space for the visibility and appreciation of the country’s indigenous heritage.
Organised by the Paraguayan Institute of Handicrafts (IPA), the fair has established itself since 2019 as a key platform. For promoting indigenous craftsmanship, fostering fair trade, and encouraging direct interaction between artisans and the public.
What is the ORE Indigenous Art And Craft Fair?
The ORE Indigenous Art And Craft Fair is more than a marketplace. The initiative is part of a broader strategy framed within the National Handicrafts Policy. Also, the project aims to strengthen the economic structures of indigenous communities while preserving their cultural identity.
The 2026 ORE Indigenous Art And Craft Fair will be held at the Espacio Cultural Staudt in downtown Asunción. The event will be open to the public from 09:00 to 20:00 with free admission. Over two days, visitors will have the opportunity to explore and purchase handmade pieces. These pieces are created by artisans from more than 15 indigenous peoples across the country.
Participating communities include Ava Guaraní, Aché, Paĩ Tavyterã, Mbyá Guaraní, and Enxet Sur. Also, Enlhet Norte, Sanapaná, Nivaclé, Manjui, Maká, Ayoreo, Ishir, Chamacoco, and Qom, among others. Each group brings its own techniques, materials, and worldview, transforming the fair into a living expression of Paraguay’s cultural diversity.
Craftsmanship rooted in tradition
One of the main attractions of the ORE Indigenous Art and Craft Fair is the diversity and authenticity of the pieces on display. Visitors will find textiles made from caraguatá fibre and cotton, intricate basketry, feather art, and wood carvings crafted from palo santo. Each item represents more than an object. Items carry stories, ancestral knowledge, and a deep connection to territory and identity. Through these creations, artisans not only preserve their traditions but also adapt them to contemporary markets without losing their essence.
An intercultural encounter
While the commercial aspect plays a key role in supporting artisans economically, the fair also positions itself as a space for cultural exchange. The programme includes music and dance performances. As well as workshops open to the public, encouraging dialogue between communities and visitors.
This approach reinforces the fair’s mission of promoting mutual understanding and respect, highlighting indigenous cultures as a fundamental part of Paraguay’s national identity. Since its creation in 2019, the ORE Indigenous Art and Craft Fair has grown steadily. The fair is held twice a year, and each edition builds on the previous one, expanding its reach and impact.
Beyond its cultural value, the initiative contributes directly to improving the quality of life of indigenous artisans by opening access to new markets and strengthening their productive capacities. It also encourages sustainable practices and the preservation of traditional knowledge systems.
Keeping heritage alive
As Paraguay continues to navigate a rapidly changing world, spaces like this play a crucial role in safeguarding its intangible cultural heritage. By connecting artisans with the public, the event ensures that ancestral knowledge is not only preserved but also valued and sustained for future generations.
In this sense, the 2026 edition of the ORE Indigenous Art and Craft Fair is not just an event. It is a reaffirmation of identity, a bridge between cultures, and a reminder that tradition and development can move forward together.
