Encarnación is also known as the Carnival capital of Paraguay. PS. The largest annual carnival in the country kicked off in the city of Encarnación, some 375 km (233 miles) from Asunción. © 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. Fabulous floats and costumes are part of carnivals all over the world. The Carnival ends with the Christian celebration of Lent, forty days before Easter on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. John Cagney Nash began composing press releases and event reviews for British nightclubs in 1982. Gilson Dantas Carmini 13,859 views. We’ve just caught the bus from Encarnacion to Asuncion and I’m happy to report that this bus had aircon, toilet, reclining seats, no dead chickens and even intermittent wifi. Carnaval de Oruro or Carnival Oruro, Bolivia. January 31, 2014 January 15, 2020 admin Discovering the tipple of a country is definitely part of the fun when it comes to exploring new places, particularly. Here are some Paraguay festivals you shouldn’t miss: This gets mentioned first because it is by far the largest festival held in Paraguay each year. Some 235 miles southeast of Paraguay’s capital, Asuncion, Encarnacion describes itself as the “Carnival Capital of Paraguay.” Every February, the city erupts into a fabulous, month-long celebration of music and dance. It had been our intention to see how this celebration went in other countries. Paraguay is certainly no exception to this, and visitors can experience cultural events and festivities throughout the year. Held in February, this day of celebration is in honor of Saint Blaise, the patron saint of Paraguay. Beautiful Latinas in tiny, sparkling bikinis and massive headdresses vie with others sporting enormous peacock-feathered assemblages that spread behind them in gravity-defying clouds. Different cities take part in Carnival, but it is by far the biggest in Encarnación. Discover the local area by spending a day checking out some of the local attractions. The floats weren't as good as in Argentina and there wasn't as much plastic surgery, … Encarnación is the third-largest city of Paraguay. The rituals and parades are largely based on Paraguayan traditions that go back centuries, so the sense of history is as important as the revelry. Though the parades are not as large or ornate as the Rio de Janeiro affair – or Fantasy Fest in Key West, for U.S. citizens without passports – they are nonetheless wonderful celebrations of excess. The biggest and craziest event on Bolivia’s calendar, Carnaval is celebrated throughout the country, but the best action takes place in the highland city of Oruro.Dating back some 200 years, this epic street parade showcases a fascinating mix of religious syncretism, with Catholic and indigenous deities dancing side by side to the infectious beat of over 150 different marching bands. Carnaval marks a period of festivity prior to the beginning of Lent. The Encarnaceno Carnival is the largest public festival in Paraguay, in the city of Encarnación. Carnival does not just happen in Rio de Janeiro or Gualeguaychú. Another celebration of Christian origins, Verbana de San Juan is put on in honor of Saint John. Encarnación, the carnival capital of Paraguay, is hosting more parties on February 18, 19, 25 and 26, just before Lent, which is what the festival season precedes. Paraguay's carnival season has just started. Carnival in Oruro is Bolivia’s … https://traveltips.usatoday.com/carnivals-paraguay-63399.html The festivities of Paraguay are therefore a unique mix cultural celebrations like no other. Dia de San Blas This festival, held February 3 … paraguay-carnival Dancers perform during the carnival in Encarnacion, Paraguay on Febrary 25, 2017. Especially for Carnival, places to stay tend to book up very quickly. Brought to the country in the early 1970s by a North American employee of a Paraguayan sanitation company, the Trans Chaco Rally is essentially a large car competition of resistance driving. Insider tip: the kids wandering among the crowds crying “Leche, leche,” are not selling milk; their cups are full of strong, locally brewed beer. One of Paraguay’s few performance arts festivals is the annual choir festival held in Encarnacion, where music overtakes the town for a few days. Book hotels in advance when traveling during the celebratory period. Like the rest of the world, Paraguay also rings in the New Year on December 31st and January 1st with various celebrations. https://www.visitparaguay.net/paraguay-guide/paraguay-festivals.html In 1998 he earned an OxBridge doctorate in philosophy and immediately emigrated to America. It’s common knowledge that Carnival is a Catholic celebration that takes place in several countries around the world, just before the Lent season starts. You’ll also see this as the “Transchaco” rally or sometimes just the “Chaco” rally, but it all means the same thing. Nevertheless, it includes an interesting mix of celebratory customs from different ethnic groups in Paraguay. Here we are in the self-titled Capital of Carnival in Paraguay. Paraguay’s third-largest city has a population of about 100,000, and is located just half an hour from one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, the Jesuit ruins at Trinidad. A vast majority (95%) of Paraguay’s population comprises of mestizos (mixed Amerindian and Spanish peoples). in Encarnación, Paraguay. Just as the United States celebrates its independence from England on July 4, Paraguay celebrates its independence from Spain on May 15. Dancers perform during carnival in Encarncion 375 km south of Asuncion. It looks across the Parana River toward Posadas, Argentina. In many towns and cities, parades are also held. Carnival Dates to Year 2026. Browse 314 paraguay carnival stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. The Festival de San Juan is also observed all over the country, but the biggest and gaudiest carnival takes place in the capital city, Asuncion, where travelers can go for the full experience. While there, be aware of anyone who may be preying on tourists. Be prepared for plenty of food, music and fun. Part of what makes visits to Latin America so amazing is the amount of festivals and celebrations held each year. Independence day is typically celebrated with barbecues, soccer games, music, as well as plenty of beer, wine and the traditional Paraguayan drink “mate”. Lent was, and for some still is, a 40-day period of solemnity and fasting with the removal of meat from the diet being a key feature. ! The 'Llamadas' is Paraguay's biggest carnival parade, in which 'comparsas,' groups of dancers and drummers compete. So all buses in Paraguay are not the same. There are also festivities of the secular variety, such as the Carnival in Encarnación, which is the largest celebration of carnival in the country, and the festivals of Santiago and San Miguel, which are highlighted by the show of equestrian skills set to the rhythms of folkloric musical groups. Take a look at the most colorful samba dancer costumes in … It’s a title the city deserves, considering that Encarnación has one of the region’s liveliest celebrations – and a permanent Sambadrome that accommodates up … Verbana de San Juan is traditionally held on May 28 and May 29, and many consider it a must-see for visitors to this country. Spanish and Guarani are the official languagesof the country. 2014: 3rd March 4th March: 2015: 16th February 17th February: 2016: 8th February 9th February: 2017: 27th February 28th February: 2018: 12th February 13th February: 2019: 4th March 5th March: 2020: 24th February 25th February: 2021: 15th February 16th February: 2022: 28th February 1st March: Highlights of the celebrations include fire-walkers and the ritualized burning of effigies representing Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus to the Romans. It is about five celebration nights, carried out between January and February, taking in the Municipal Civic Center venue, known as the “Sambadrome” (Sambódromo), which can contain up to 12,000 people. Paraguayans hold parades and pageants filled with music and dancing well into the night. Carnaval en Paraguay - Campo 9 Dr. Juan Eulogio Estigarribia - Duration: 25:28. The city is located on Route 1, some 370 km (225 miles) from Asunción, and located on Route 6, some 280 km (175 miles) from Ciudad del Este. This is evident in the traditional Catholic festivals, such as Dia de San Blas and the largest festival in Paraguay, Carnival. It has grown since its founding to a rally with international appeal, as thousands of people from Paraguay and the rest of the world travel to the Gran Chaco region to see it. 2008 Carnival in Encarnacion, Paraguay Encarnación is located in southeastern Paraguay on the banks of the Paraná River, across from Posadas, Argentina. What is carnival in Bolivia? Overview of holidays and many observances in Paraguay during the year 2021 Encarnacion, properly called Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion de Itapua, is the capital city of the Department of Itapua. The name “Nanduti” comes from a type of traditional Paraguayan lace that is made around the city of Itagua, where the main celebrations are also held. (Photo: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images ). This is evident in the traditional Catholic festivals, such as Dia de San Blas and the largest Paraguay holiday, Carnival. In fact, Paraguay is supposedly the happiest country in the world, so maybe there’s something in the air. And yes, they are modeled after those in Germany. If you’re into the arts, this is the festival for you. Read more. If you are visiting the country at this time, the best New Year’s celebrations can be found in Asunción. The festival date is the 24th of June each year. 89.6% of the population practice Roman Catholicism. This celebration is a must for everyone who loves cars and automobile sports. Tourists from all over to world come to participate in Paraguay’s dazzling Carnival. The popular Latin American festival of Carnival is celebrated just before Ash Wednesday (in February), the beginning of Lent. Nirgen de la Candelaria lasts between the 2nd and the 14th of February each year. Nash's work focuses on American life, travel and the music industry. Photo about ENCARNACION, PARAGUAY - FEB 7, 2015: Participants of a traditional carnival in Encarnacion, Paraguay. In Christianity, Lent is a time of fasting and austerity to prepare for the arrival of Easter. 7 • RITES OF PASSAGE Through the influence of the Catholic church, baptisms, first communion, and saints' days play an important part in the lives of many families. The Nanduit Festival features demonstrations and displays of the region’s arts, crafts, music, performances and food, and it is held during the last weekend of July. A little further down the road lie the similar Jesuit ruins of … You can see the word carne (meat) in Carnaval; traditionally, this was The festival is famed for its elaborate masks. Actually, the Latin term carnem levareor carnelevariummeans “to take away meat.”And here comes the interesting spin, because in Spanish and other Romance languages carne holds the double meanin… Motifs drawn from the ancient Amero-Indian cultures dominate, with Mayan and Aztec animist gods rendered in gems and feathers and ceramics. The months between February and July mark Paraguay’s carnival season. If you’re interested in really experiencing and learning about Paraguay’s folk culture, the Festival del Lago is the place to do it. Uncategorized . Held at the same time as its European counterpart in early September, Paraguay’s Oktober Fest is a representation of how various immigrant communities have helped to shape the country over time. Carnival in Paraguay The Carnival of Venice is an annual festival, held in Venice, Italy. However, Paraguay’s history as a colony of Spain has also contributed to its present-day heritage practice, as has the country’s strong religious roots. Image of colorful, posing, models - 131416632 10. Because the country has maintained its strong indigenous connections and roots, many of Paraguay’s festivals are derived from practices of the Guirani people. For example, it is not uncommon to see people walking across hot coals in front of spectators. 25:28. The country has a population of just over 6 million. Wines and Alcohol in Paraguay. Where Can I Stay near Carnival Sambadrome? In fact, Paraguay was the first official country in the New World after the U.S. The Fiestas of San Blas – San Blas is the patron saint of the country – are held in towns and cities all over Paraguay through the month of February; Nirgen de la Candelaria, in the city of Puno, is the most enthusiastic. Ciudad del Este hosts the most elaborate festivities for this important day, though it is celebrated throughout the country. Overall, I enjoyed our time. How to Plan Your Trip, Folk Medicine and Medicinal Plants in Paraguay, The Myths, Legends and Folklore of Paraguay, The Jesus and Trinidad Jesuit Missions of Paraguay. Carnival celebrations span over multiple days before Lent begins (about 90 percent of Paraguayans identify as Christian), and they are similar to the Mardi Gras festivities seen in the United States and other countries. Every weekend through the month sees the city come alive with parades, costumes and partying. When most geographers talk of Paraguay they tend to mention the great Gran Chaco plains, or the sparsely wooded hills, Vacation In Paraguay. (Photo: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images ), Holidays, Festivals, Celebrations & Traditions in Spain, Festivals of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by color family {{familyColorButtonText(colorFamily.name)}} Dancers perform during carnival in Encarncion 375 km south of Asuncion on February 10, 2012. Paraguayan-style Carnaval might not be on the same scale or as famous as Rio's, but if you are young and looking for a wild party, then you may find it a lot more fun. Even though Paraguay maintains a strong indigenous culture with its descendants of the Guirani people, the Spanish Empire left its mark on the region and 90 percent of the population are practicing Roman Catholics. That’s right; it’s not just in Germany anymore. The carnival is held in February for three days and nights when the streets come alive with lights and color. Santa Cruz Carnival Tenerife belongs to the Canary Islands, lying off the south coast of Spain. Encarnación is connected to the Argentine city of Posadas by the San Roque González de Santa Cruz Bridge and the International Train. November- Festival del Poyvi The town of Carapegua is the scene of this traditional art, crafts and music fair held each year to … Carnaval! If you are a local in Encarnación, Carnival in the Sambadrome is all about how many battles you can get into with a can of snow spray. If you haven’t got your snow spray, you may as well go home now! The illusion of winter weather in summertime is part of the fantasy in Encarnación, the self-proclaimed “Carnival Capital of Paraguay”. Encarnacion is home to Carnival Sambadrome. There is essentially a party that takes place around the Ypacarai lake, which is a beautiful place worth visiting by itself at other times of the year. His material was first published in the "Eastern Daily Press." Fairs take place throughout the period, where vendors sell locally made arts and crafts Bullfights are popular then; sometimes the bulls are run through city streets with ribbons and money tied to their tails. If you want to participate, head to Asunción, where the main festivities take place. Encarnacion is located 375 km south of Asuncion, describes itself as the "Carnival Capital of Paraguay." Where is Carnival Sambadrome? If you'd like to find things to see and do in the area, you may want to check out San Jose Beach and Argentina-Paraguay Bridge. The colors and cantilevered intricacy of the costumes is extraordinary: some are three times the height of the girls wearing them, and extend out on frames as wide as the streets themselves. If you’replanning to attend any major festivals, be sure to book a hotel or hostel room well in advance. In Paraguary, streets are decorated with flowers and lights, and performances and parties are prevalent. For anyone who’s missed the bus to the bigger carnivals, Buenos Aires’ Carnival is back and better than ever. 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