The city of Ciudad del Este, one of Paraguay’s largest cities, officially launched its Christmas season. On Saturday, 29 November, the spectacular light-up of the Lago de la República (Republic Lake) took place. The event, known as Navidad del Este 2025 (East Christmas 2025), transformed the lakeside area into one of Paraguay’s brightest and most anticipated holiday attractions, drawing thousands of families and tourists.
Honouring community and sustainable design
The fourth edition of Navidad del Este featured an expansive circuit of lights. One of the central focuses is a towering nine-meter-tall sculpture dedicated to the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family). This spiritual tribute underscored the event’s family-oriented theme.
A standout element of the decoration was the commitment to sustainable design. Local teams crafted much of the ornamentation, including figures and arches, using recycled materials. Moreover, the teams adapted this creative model from Capioví, Misiones, in Argentina. The city is recognised for transforming thousands of plastic bottles into festive community décor. As a result, municipal officials from Ciudad del Este travelled there to learn the technique and replicate it locally. Overall, this initiative showcases the city’s growing focus on innovative and sustainable development.
A grand artistic programme
The official lighting ceremony was preceded by an extensive artistic programme held at the Amphitheatre of the Lago de la República. This cultural showcase highlighted local talent and Paraguayan identity, featuring a diverse lineup of performers.
The night began with a blessing of the Pesebre (Nativity Scene) featuring the Municipal Chamber Orchestra. Also, the Espíritu Santo Choir, and popular acts such as Sonidos de Mi Tierra and Los Ojeda. The inclusion of polka paraguaya and other local musical styles ensured the programme brought a warm cultural dimension to the evening, keeping the public engaged throughout the night. The official Encendido Oficial De Luces (Official Switching On Of Lights) took place at 21:00.
New attractions position Ciudad Del Este as a tourist destination
This year’s edition introduced several new attractions, solidifying the city’s ambition to become a leading tourist destination in the region. People can see the renowned Christmas tree and the Santa Claus figure, hailed as the largest in the region. Additionally, organisers introduced the Bosque Encantado (Enchanted Forest), a major thematic novelty for visitors.
The administration, led by Mayor Daniel Mujica and supported by the Municipality of Ciudad del Este, framed the project within its Institutional Strategic Plan. The plan mainly promotes the recovery of public spaces, cultural strengthening, and tourism. In a speech to the attendees, the Mayor stated: “Today we celebrate not only the switching on of lights, but the effort and the conviction of people who believed in this dream when it seemed impossible.”
The event successfully blended dazzling illumination, profound cultural expression, and a strong sense of community, ensuring a memorable and bright start to the holiday season in the east of Paraguay. Visitors are warmly invited to experience the magic for themselves at El Lago de la República, located in the Boquerón neighbourhood of Ciudad del Este, Alto Paraná. The festive lights remain on throughout the whole of December and all night long, creating a welcoming and atmospheric setting for families, friends, and tourists alike. Best of all, admission is completely free, making it an accessible and unforgettable destination for everyone.
