Fiesta Nacional de la Sandía de Paso Güembé

Watermelon growers in Paso Güembé celebrate the harvest with contests, dishes made from the fruit and dancing.

Early January, in the heart of summer (2026: 3 and 4 January, 30th edition). Check the date before going.January

What it is

Paso Güembé is a rural community in the Trinidad district of Itapúa, known for the sweet watermelons that fill summer tables. Every January the local Producers Committee opens its grounds for the Fiesta Nacional de la Sandía, a harvest celebration held since 1991 (with two pandemic pauses) that reached its 30th edition in 2026. Melons of all sizes are sold and you can taste fruit-based preparations such as breaded watermelon, jams, jellies and liqueurs; there are carving and eating contests, a prize for the heaviest fruit, a queen pageant, dancing and, in the latest edition, a horse-breaking show. It is a small, community-run party, best enjoyed with family and a cold tereré.

What to see and do

Watermelons sold straight from the growers
Carving and watermelon-eating contests
Prize for the heaviest fruit
Dishes and sweets made with watermelon
Dancing and a queen pageant

Tips

It is about 40 km from Encarnación: take Route PY06 (km 33) and drive roughly 7 km inland.,Bring a hat, sunscreen and cash; it is an open-air country fair in midsummer.,The exact date is usually announced in late December, so confirm it with the municipality or local media.

Dates may shift to the nearest weekend.