Paraguayan polka
The national rhythm: upbeat, fast and with a one-of-a-kind polyrhythm.
What it is
Despite the name, it has little to do with the European polka. Its hallmark is that the melody moves in two beats while the accompaniment marks three, creating an unmistakable sway. It was born on harp and guitar and branched out into the polca canción (song-polka), kyre'ỹ, syryry and the electronic polka, or jahe'o, of country dances. Today it is also fused with rock and jazz.
Did you know…?
Under Law 4366/2011, September 15 is Paraguayan Polka Day; the date marks the anniversary of the deaths of both Luis Alberto del Paraná and Emiliano R. Fernández. The first written mention of Paraguayans dancing their own polka dates from 27 November 1858, in the newspaper El Semanario. Over the years variants appeared such as the galopa, the popó, the jekutu and the polca correntina.
Listen to
'Galopera', 'Pájaro campana', 'Campamento Cerro León' and 'Carreta guy', among the oldest and best-known polkas.
Music & dance
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 2 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.