FF MM · CC BY-SA 4.0August 1: National Carrulim Day
On the first day of August people drink carrulim—cane liquor, rue and lemon—to ward off the ills of the most dreaded month.
What it is
Tradition calls for a few sips of carrulim on an empty stomach on August 1: Paraguayan caña (sugarcane spirit) mixed with rue and lemon, a remedy of colonial origin that, according to popular belief, protects against the cold, flu and the bad luck of August. The National Secretariat of Culture declared it intangible cultural heritage in 2019. In Asunción there are free tastings from early morning (in 2026, in Plaza Infante Rivarola in Villa Morra) and events at the Centro Cultural del Puerto, where that year Paraguayan caña itself was formally declared intangible cultural heritage.
What to see and do
- Free morning carrulim tastings
- Cultural events in Asunción’s historic center
- Talks on the history of Paraguayan caña
Tips
It’s an alcoholic drink: in many homes people take just a sip, and never before driving. If you don’t drink alcohol, join the tastings and talks anyway.
Dates may shift to the nearest weekend.
What to see
Asunción · Asunción (Distrito Capital)
Palacio de López (Palacio de Gobierno)
The palace Carlos Antonio López had built for his son, now the seat of the executive branch overlooking the bay.
Asunción · Asunción (Distrito Capital)
Panteón Nacional de los Héroes y Oratorio de la Virgen de la Asunción
The domed shrine where the great names of Paraguayan history rest, watched over by soldiers in full dress uniform.
Asunción · Asunción (Distrito Capital)
Plaza de los Héroes y calle Palma (centro histórico)
The main square and downtown's shopping street: handicrafts, a Saturday street fair and buildings that tell a century of stories.
Asunción · Asunción (Distrito Capital)
Museo Casa de la Independencia
The colonial house where Paraguay's independence was plotted on the night of May 14, 1811.
Festivals and events here
International Jazz Day in Asunción
Jazz concerts at cultural centers and stages around the capital to celebrate the genre’s world day.
MusicAsunción, Asunción (Distrito Capital)May→ JunAsunción International Book Fair (FIL)
Ten days of books, authors and language: the country’s great literary festival, with free entry and a guest country.
CulturalAsunción, Asunción (Distrito Capital)FeaturedMayIndependence Days (May 14 and 15)
Two public holidays for the 1811 independence: flags, ceremonies, sopa paraguaya and chipa guasu all over the country.
CulturalAsunción, Asunción (Distrito Capital)AugAugust 15: Founding of Asunción and Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption
The birthday of the Mother of Cities coincides with the feast of its patron saint: Mass at the Cathedral, a public holiday and cultural events.
ReligiousAsunción, Asunción (Distrito Capital)FeaturedResearched and reviewed in September 2026 with 3 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.