José Asunción Flores
The creator of the guarania (Asunción, 1904 – Buenos Aires, 1972).
What it is
He was born in the Ricardo Brugada neighborhood — Asunción's Chacarita — worked as a shoeshine boy and at 12 joined the Police Band, where he trained as a musician. In 1925 he created the guarania, and with the poet Manuel Ortiz Guerrero he composed timeless works. His political activism sent him into exile, and he died in Buenos Aires; his remains returned to Paraguay in 1991.
Did you know…?
On July 24, 1944, the Paraguayan government declared his guarania 'India' the 'national song'. His remains rest in Asunción, in the Manuel Ortiz Guerrero–José Asunción Flores square.
Listen to
'India', 'Nde rendápe aju', 'Panambi verá' and 'Kerasy'.
Music & dance
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with — sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.