Golondriana
A gentle dance that imitates the flight of the swallow.
What it is
The golondriana is a dance for loose or independent couples. Its name comes from the swallow, whose flight the gentle movements try to imitate. It has its own music with varied rhythms, and two very similar versions survive, sharing the same parts of the original structure. It was one of the most practiced dances of the 19th century, together with the Londón karapé, the polka and the mazurka.
Did you know…?
The contradanza brought many ballroom dances to Paraguay, and the people adapted them until they felt entirely their own.
Listen to
Watch folk performances: the golondriana is recognizable by its soft turns.
Music & dance
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 2 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.