Paraguay embraced a spirit of patriotism and reflection as it marked 90 years since the signing of the Peace Protocol that ended the Chaco conflict between Paraguay and Bolivia. Across the country, tributes and parades honoured the Chaco Peace, the courage of those who fought, and the lasting legacy of reconciliation they left behind.
Tributes and activities across the nation
Paraguay honoured its Chaco War veterans with pride and pension. Other commemorative activities took place in several regions of the country, showing how deeply this historic event resonates with the Paraguayan people:
- In Itapúa, students from Primary School No. 5.196 “Mártires de Acosta Ñu,” located in San Cosme y Damián, held a cultural event and parade in front of their school.
- Meanwhile, in Encarnación an official ceremony was hosted at the replica of the old railway station along the Costanera. Afterwards, participants walked symbolically to the Museum of Victory, once a temporary shelter for war veterans.
- Towns and cities throughout Misiones, Caaguazú and Concepción filled their streets with flags and held commemorative events.
- In Concepción, the communities of Yby Yaú, Paso Barreto, Arroyito and Culantrillo held moving Chaco Peace remembrance ceremonies.
- Coronel Oviedo (Caaguazú) paid tribute at Plaza de los Héroes, where they highlighted Don Virgilio Dávalos, one of the few surviving Chaco veterans. Students from the Defensores del Chaco School, located in Espinillo, also marched in a civic parade.
- Mariscal Estigarribia, in the heart of the Central Chaco, held a major civic and military parade with strong community participation.
- In San Juan Bautista, Misiones, locals gathered for a ceremony in Plaza Boquerón with the presence of local authorities. In Santa Rosa, also in Misiones, officials unveiled the name of a street in honour of veteran Julián Villalba Correa.
- San Lorenzo (Central Department) hosted the main ceremony at the Cuartel de la Victoria, a site dedicated to paying tribute to the veterans.
President Peña’s message of peace
President Santiago Peña played a key role in the commemorations. During the main event at the Cuartel de la Victoria in the city of San Lorenzo, President Peña made it clear that the day honours not the war, but the peace that followed.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the soldiers and praised the decision by both Paraguay and Bolivia to move beyond the conflict and focus on a shared future. Peña reminded the nation that true victories lie in reconciliation, not just on the battlefield. Quoting in Guaraní, he declared, “war between brothers, never again.”
Furthermore President Peña urged younger generations to keep the memory of the Chaco heroes alive by upholding their values with integrity and love for the nation. Peña closed his speech with a heartfelt tribute to the veterans and their families, calling on all Paraguayans to draw inspiration from their example and work towards a fairer, more united and compassionate Paraguay.
Chaco Peace holiday moved
The National Secretariat of Tourism (Senatur) announced that the Chaco Peace holiday on June 12 has been moved to Monday, June 16, creating an ideal long weekend for domestic tourism. Tourism Minister, Angie Duarte, encouraged the public to explore the impressive Paraguayan Chaco, highlighting that normal work and school activities would proceed on Thursday, June 12, to maximize the extended weekend.
Various activities are planned in the Chaco to mark this historic occasion. For the weekend, visitors can experience the “Mennonite Route” to learn about the colonies’ life and culture, explore the interpretation centre to discover Chaco’s biodiversity, and enjoy walking tours and a maze in Filadelfia. There is also an invitation to visit historic fortresses, appreciate nature at bird and wildlife observatories, and sample the local cuisine.
