Tañarandy y la procesión de Viernes Santo (Yvága Rape)
Paraguay's most beautiful Good Friday: thousands of candles, traditional Passion chants and a living altarpiece.
What it is
Tañarandy is a rural community on the outskirts of San Ignacio that is transformed every Good Friday. At dusk, some 20,000 candles, lanterns and torches light up the Yvága Rape, the 'path to heaven', along which the procession of the Virgen Dolorosa (Our Lady of Sorrows) advances, accompanied by groups of estacioneros who sing traditional chants of the Passion. The route ends at the La Barraca cultural center, where a great altarpiece with tableaux vivants is unveiled. Outside Holy Week, stone sculptures of the Stations of the Cross and signs painted on the houses tell the story.
What to see and do
- The procession of the Virgen Dolorosa along the illuminated Yvága Rape
- The chants of the estacioneros
- The altarpiece with tableaux vivants at La Barraca
- The Stations of the Cross in stone sculptures along the avenue
- Houses with painted signs of family trades
Did you know…?
The traditional candles are made from the peels of apepu (bitter orange): thousands are needed every year.
Koki Ruiz also created the altarpiece of corn cobs and coconuts for Pope Francis's Mass in Asunción in 2015.
The village houses display painted signs showing each family's trade, an idea of Koki Ruiz himself.
History
The celebration began in 1992 as a family prayer led by the artist Delfín 'Koki' Ruiz: a 300-meter candlelit procession with the fourteen Stations of the Cross. It grew until it drew thousands of visitors from Paraguay and abroad. Koki Ruiz died on 20 December 2024; since then his daughters Almudena and Macarena Ruiz have directed the event, which in 2026 presented a Gothic altarpiece measuring 9 by 16 meters.
Tips
- Arrive in daylight on Good Friday: the access road gets congested and you'll have to walk.
- In 2026 the day began at 15:00 with the Seven Last Words and the procession took place at dusk; check each year's schedule before you go.
- Bring a flashlight, comfortable shoes, water and patience; respect the religious nature of the event.
- Book accommodation in San Ignacio well in advance.
Good Friday event, afternoon into night; free access (check the program each year).
Best time: Good Friday (March or April, depending on the calendar); the rest of the year to see the sculptures in peace.
What to try
- Holy Week chipa and sopa paraguaya
- Mbeju and cocido from the stalls
Activities
Festivals and events here
Tañarandy: Good Friday and the Yvága Rape
Twenty thousand candles light up the “path to heaven” while living tableaux recreate the Passion: the most magical night of Holy Week.
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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.