Carnaval Encarnaceno (Sambódromo de Encarnación)
Paraguay's biggest carnival: comparsas (parade troupes), feathers and drumming every Saturday in January and February.
What it is
Every summer, Encarnación crowns itself the Capital of Paraguayan Carnival. Comparsas (parade troupes) from local clubs march with floats, queens, dancers and bands through the Sambódromo at the Municipal Civic Center, next to the promenade, which holds some 12,000 to 15,000 people a night. It is a serious competition: judges award prizes for best troupe, drum corps, float and featured performers. The atmosphere blends Brazilian samba, Paraguayan humor and plenty of foam spray. In 2026 there were five nights, on Saturdays from 17 January to 14 February.
What to see and do
- The parade of troupes and floats at the Sambódromo
- Drum corps and live bands
- The crowning of carnival queens and featured performers
- Pre-parade and after-party on the promenade
Did you know…?
Beneath the VIP stand of the Sambódromo there is a small carnival museum covering its history and past winners.
In 2025, Club 22 de Setiembre won its first title in thirty years, shared with Club Pettirossi.
History
According to the municipality, the first carnival was held in 1916, with the arrival of the railway and European immigrants; other sources date it back to 1905 or 1906. After years in the former Zona Baja and on Avenida Rodríguez de Francia, since 31 January 2014 it has been held at the Civic Center's Sambódromo, built as part of the Yacyretá works. Its organizers billed the 2026 edition as the 100th.
Tips
- Buy tickets in advance through the official channels (carnavalencarnaceno.com.py and its social media); there are general admission tickets and tables.
- Parade nights start late and run into the early hours: confirm the start time for each date.
- Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes, and bring cash; outside food and drinks are not allowed.
- Dates change every year: check the calendar for the next edition.
Parade nights, until the early hours; paid admission (check prices, times and dates for each edition).
Best time: Saturday nights in January and February.
What to try
- Lomitos (steak sandwiches) and burgers from the Sambódromo stalls
- Ice-cold beer on the promenade
Activities
Festivals and events here
Encarnación Carnival
Feathers, drum troupes and dance groups in the Sambadrome: Paraguay’s “summer capital” throws the country’s biggest carnival.
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Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 6 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.