In a year filled with inspiring stories and uplifting voices, The Asunción Times is proudly publishing this Top 5 Paraguayans Abroad Stories of 2025. These are the articles that readers cherished, shared with friends and family, and came back to time and again. By sharing several Top 5’s with our readers on the edge of 2026, we celebrate the very best of human connection, hope, and community in Paraguay in 2025.
1. Paraguay Jeroky Madrid: 20 Years Keeping The Homeland Alive Through Dance
Founded in 2005 by Zulma Cáceres, Paraguay Jeroky Madrid has evolved from a humble immigrant initiative into Europe’s first traditional Paraguayan dance school. Over two decades, the group has transitioned from using homemade costumes to performing for royalty and earning official recognition from the Mayor of Madrid for its cultural contributions.
The ensemble serves as a vital community hub, helping the diaspora maintain a connection to their Guarani roots through iconic performances like the “bottle dance.” Now led by Gladys Marecos, the group continues to preserve Paraguayan identity abroad, ensuring that the homeland remains alive for new generations through the power of dance.
Read Paraguay Jeroky Madrid: 20 Years Keeping The Homeland Alive Through Dance.
2. I Love Paraguay in New York: A Family-Run Restaurant In The Big Apple
Located in Sunnyside, Queens, “I Love Paraguay” has become a culinary landmark, often referred to as the “Paraguayan embassy” in New York. Founded in 2007 by Nancy and Carlos Ojeda, who emigrated from Asunción in 2000, the family-run restaurant was born from a deep nostalgia for the authentic flavours of their homeland. After starting with a small deli, the Ojedas transformed their dream into a full-scale dining destination that serves as a cultural hub for the local diaspora and curious New Yorkers alike.
The restaurant’s menu is a celebration of Guarani heritage, featuring traditional staples such as vorí vorí, chipa guazú, and their signature lomito sandwiches. Beyond the physical storefront, the business has expanded into a global e-commerce platform, shipping Paraguayan products and delicacies across North America and Europe.
Read I Love Paraguay in New York: A Family-Run Restaurant In The Big Apple.
3. Paraguayan Students In Abu Dhabi: Bridging Cultures In The Middle East
A growing number of Paraguayan students are relocating to Abu Dhabi to pursue higher education, successfully bridging the cultural gap between South America and the Middle East. At institutions like New York University Abu Dhabi, students such as Ana Maidana are integrating their heritage with the UAE’s cosmopolitan environment, using music and art to foster mutual understanding.
Acting as “everyday diplomats,” these scholars introduce Paraguayan traditions to an international audience through creative collaboration and academic exchange. As Paraguay strengthens its global ties, these students represent a new generation of ambassadors who carry their national identity into world-class international spaces.
Read Paraguayan Students In Abu Dhabi: Bridging Cultures In The Middle East.
4. Paraguayan Gabriela Recalde Shines In Times Square, Bringing Ñandutí To The World
Gabriela Recalde, a Paraguayan fashion entrepreneur and content creator, has made headlines by bringing the traditional art of ñandutí to the global stage. After moving to the United States at nineteen with no knowledge of English, Recalde transformed her journey as an immigrant into a successful career in fashion.
In 2023, she launched her brand, GR, which incorporates the intricate, spiderweb-like lace handcrafted by Paraguayan artisans into modern designs, effectively bridging the gap between ancient tradition and contemporary style.
Read Paraguayan Gabriela Recalde Shines In Times Square, Bringing Ñandutí To The World.
5. Chef Catalino Gabriel Garay: An Ambassador Of Paraguayan Cuisine in Europe
Last, but not least, in this Top 5 Paraguayans Abroad Stories of 2025, Catalino Gabriel Garay is a distinguished chef and cultural advocate. He has dedicated his career to promoting Paraguayan gastronomy across Europe. Originally from Caaguazú, Garay moved to Madrid in 2004, where he founded the Club de la Cultura y Gastronomía Paraguaya. The aim was to showcase his country’s culinary heritage. He is perhaps best known for creating “La Ruta de la Sopa Paraguaya” (The Paraguayan Soup Route). This is a popular food tour and competition that has expanded from Madrid to Barcelona and Paris.
Now based in France, Garay continues to serve as an unofficial culinary ambassador. He is representing Paraguay at international festivals and high-profile events like FITUR. His work focuses on preserving traditional recipes like vorí vorí and mbejú. He is using them to share the history and warmth of Paraguayan culture with a global audience.
Read Chef Catalino Gabriel Garay: An Ambassador Of Paraguayan Cuisine in Europe.
All the best for 2026!
We hope you loved this looks back at The Asunción Times’ Top 5 Paraguayans Abroad Stories of 2025. From the bottom of our hearts, and on behalf of the entire team, we thank you for reading, sharing, and being part of our journey. Feliz Año Nuevo, Happy New Year!
