The Asunción Times ran its annual Writing Competition 2025, which focused on the theme, “Your favourite place in Paraguay outside Asunción.” Paraguay’s original and best English-language newspaper opened the contest to writers of all ages and nationalities. Participants posted their articles (in Emglish, 800-1,500 words) publicly on the newspaper’s website after setting up an account, and generated engagement through likes, comments, and shares.
The competition prizes are being presented at Amsterdam Pool Bar in Asunción, this Tuesday, 16 December. Two distinct prizes will be given: the People’s Choice Awards will go to the three articles with the highest website engagement, and the Editor’s Choice Award will go to the best-written story chose by the editorial team of The Asunción Times. The winners will receive either cash prizes, or a VIP Membership Card of The Asunción Times with a current value of $US100. Their stories will be featured on the newspaper’s website and Instagram account.
Curious about Writing Competition 2025 story submissions? Let us look at some competition data.
Writing Competition participation
Most of The Asunción Times editoral team were expecting to receive around 50 submissions before the set deadline. In the end, the numer passed all expectations, with 83 participants to this year’s Writing Competition.
Participants were writing from North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Most of the writers were Paraguayan – in the country or countirs abroad like Ireland or the United States.
The competition also showcased talent hailing from the United States, Czechia, Russia, Philippines, and Australia, to name just a few. Some of them have either visited Paraguay before and thinking of coming back, or established themselves in this country recently.
Which areas of the country were highlighted?
Many beautiful areas around Paraguay’s lakes were mentioned in the Writing Competition. Places such as Lago Ypacaraí, San Bernardino, and Areguá. This area of Paraguay was most written about in the competition, with around a dozen submissions about the area.
Other areas of the country mentioned are places such as the Jesuit ruins in Tavarengüé, and San Cosme y Damián. The cities of Encarnación, and Ciudad del Este also turned out to be dearly loved places. The editorial team also received many stories about areas that can be deemed unheard, or lesser-known for certain people. Places such as San Luís de Mboity close in Caaguazú, Saltos Ñacunday in Alto Paraná for example, are locations that might be lesser-known or least-travelled to.
Writing Competition prize ceremony
Everyone is welcome to join The Asunción Times After Work English Networking Event, this Tuesday at Amsterdam Pool Bar. During the event, that starts at 18:00, prizes to the four winners of the 2025 Writing Competition will be awarded. Join us! If you cannot attend, keep an eye for the competition results at The Asunción Times on Instagram.
