FF MM · CC BY-SA 4.0Independence Days (May 14 and 15)
Two public holidays for the 1811 independence: flags, ceremonies, sopa paraguaya and chipa guasu all over the country.
What it is
On the night of May 14–15, 1811, a group of patriots set out from what is now the Casa de la Independencia and Paraguay declared itself free of Spanish rule. Today the country dresses in red, white and blue: there are official ceremonies, school parades and family meals with sopa paraguaya, chipa guasu and asado. The 15th is also Mother’s Day, in honor of Juana María de Lara, so many families gather.
What to see and do
- The Casa de la Independencia Museum and its historic alley
- Patriotic ceremonies and parades
- Family tables with sopa paraguaya and chipa guasu
Tips
In many years it makes for a long weekend: book accommodation if you’re heading to the countryside. Restaurants are in high demand on the 15th for Mother’s Day.
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
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Jazz concerts at cultural centers and stages around the capital to celebrate the genre’s world day.
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Ten days of books, authors and language: the country’s great literary festival, with free entry and a guest country.
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TraditionAsunción y todo el país, VariosAugAugust 15: Founding of Asunción and Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption
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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.