Garcia.dennis · CC BY-SA 4.0Our Lady of Caacupé: Novena and December 8 Pilgrimage
The country’s greatest display of faith: thousands of pilgrims walk from Asunción and all over Paraguay to the Basilica of Caacupé.
What it is
Every December, Paraguay’s “spiritual capital” welcomes crowds arriving on foot, by bicycle or on horseback to honor the Immaculate Conception of Caacupé. During the novena there are daily Masses, themed pilgrimages and serenades, and on December 8 the basilica holds Masses from before dawn. Along Route PY02 the walkers press on through the night, and the roadside fills with stalls selling chipa, tereré and water.
What to see and do
- Pilgrims’ night walk along Route PY02
- Serenades to the Virgin in the days before
- Masses on the Basilica esplanade
Tips
If you walk, set out at night, in well-worn shoes and light-colored clothing, with plenty of water: December is very hot. Avoid driving on the 7th and 8th: there are detours and heavy traffic. Keep an eye on your belongings in the crowds.
Dates may shift to the nearest weekend.
What to see
Caacupé · Cordillera
Basílica de la Virgen de los Milagros de Caacupé
Paraguay's spiritual capital: a Marian basilica, the Virgin's spring and the country's largest pilgrimage.
Festivals and events here
Yvoty Rape Flower Fair
The “path of flowers”: nurseries from Cabañas sell plants, cut flowers and citrus along the highway.
FairCaacupé (compañía Cabañas), Cordillera8DecVirgen de los Milagros de Caacupé (Inmaculada Concepción) · Caacupé
The country's largest pilgrimage: thousands walk from Asunción and all over Paraguay to the basilica of the nation's spiritual patroness.
Patron saintCaacupé, CordilleraFeaturedResearched and reviewed in September 2026 with 3 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.