Paraguay, a vibrant South American nation, boasts a rich tapestry of cultural and historical celebrations throughout the year. In 2025, the country’s public holidays will continue to reflect its diverse heritage and national identity. These Public Holidays in Paraguay In 2025 offer both locals and visitors unique opportunities to experience the nation’s traditions, history, and values. From religious observances to commemorations of historical events, each holiday holds special significance in Paraguayan society.
This article delves into the meaning behind these important dates, exploring how they shape the country’s cultural landscape and bring communities together in celebration. Join us as we uncover the stories and customs that make Paraguay’s public holidays genuinely memorable experiences.
Public Holidays in Paraguay In 2025
The following is the list of public holidays in Paraguay in 2025.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Heroes’ Day | Mar 01, 2025 | Saturday |
| Maundy Thursday | Apr 17, 2025 | Thursday |
| Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Labor Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| National Holiday | May 14, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Independence Day | May 15, 2025 | Thursday |
| Chaco Armistice | Jun 12, 2025 | Thursday |
| Founding of Asuncion | Aug 15, 2025 | Friday |
| Boqueron Battle Victory Day | Sep 29, 2025 | Monday |
| Virgin of Caacupe Day | Dec 08, 2025 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Know More: Public Holidays in Papua New Guinea In 2025 |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day in Paraguay, like in many countries, marks the beginning of a new calendar year. It’s a time for celebration, reflection, and setting resolutions for the coming year. Paraguayans often gather with family and friends to enjoy traditional foods, such as sopa paraguaya (a corn bread) and chipa guasu (a corn cake). Fireworks displays are common at midnight.
Many people attend church services to pray for blessings in the new year. It’s also customary to wear new clothes, especially something yellow, which is believed to bring good luck. The Day is typically spent relaxing, visiting relatives, or enjoying outdoor activities.
Heroes’ Day
Heroes’ Day, observed on March 1st, commemorates the end of the Paraguayan War (1864-1870) and honors those who fought for the country. This war, also known as the War of the Triple Alliance, was a devastating conflict where Paraguay faced Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.
The Day remembers the sacrifice of Paraguayan soldiers and civilians, particularly the last Paraguayan troops who fought at Cerro Corá in 1870. It’s a solemn day of national pride and reflection. Ceremonies are held at memorials and cemeteries, with wreath-laying and military parades. Schools often organize special events to teach children about this important period in Paraguayan history.
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday, part of Holy Week, is an important religious observance in predominantly Catholic Paraguay. It honors Jesus Christ’s Last Supper before his death with his apostles. Many Paraguayans attend special church services, where priests may perform the washing of feet, reenacting Jesus’ act of humility. Families often prepare traditional meatless dishes, as meat is typically avoided on this Day.
Some people visit seven different churches, a custom known as “Siete Iglesias.” In rural areas, people may gather medicinal herbs, believing they have special powers on this Day. It’s a time for reflection, prayer, and family gatherings.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a solemn Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Paraguay, it’s marked by religious processions, church services, and family gatherings. Many businesses close, and a quiet, respectful atmosphere prevails. Paraguayans often abstain from meat, instead eating fish or vegetarian dishes. Some communities perform passion plays, reenacting the events of Jesus’ crucifixion.
In rural areas, people may collect medicinal plants, believing they have enhanced healing properties on this Day. Families often prepare chipa, a traditional cheese bread, to share with neighbors and relatives. It’s a day of reflection, prayer, and remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice.
Labor Day
Labor Day, observed on May 1st, celebrates workers’ rights and achievements in Paraguay. It honors the Haymarket incident in Chicago in 1886, which resulted in the implementation of the eight-hour workday. In Paraguay, this Day is marked by parades, rallies, and speeches organized by labor unions and political parties.
Workers often gather to discuss labor issues and advocate for better working conditions. Many businesses and government offices are closed. Families might use this Day off for picnics or outings. It’s also a time to reflect on the country’s labor history and the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights.
National Holiday
The National Holiday on May 14th and 15th commemorates Paraguay’s independence from Spain in 1811. These two days are filled with patriotic celebrations, parades, and cultural events. People display the Paraguayan flag and wear traditional clothing. In Asunción, the capital, there’s often a military parade and official ceremonies. Schools organize special activities to teach children about the country’s history.
Families gather for asados (barbecues) and share traditional foods like sopa paraguaya. It’s a time of national pride when Paraguayans reflect on their history, culture, and identity. Many towns and cities hold festivals featuring music, dance, and artisanal crafts.
Independence Day
Independence Day, celebrated on August 15th, marks Paraguay’s independence from Spain in 1811. It’s one of the most important national holidays, celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the country. Parades, concerts, and fireworks displays mark the Day. In Asunción, there’s a grand military parade and official ceremonies attended by government officials.
People wear traditional clothing and display the national flag. Schools and community groups often perform folk dances and music. Families gather for asados (barbecues) and share traditional foods. It’s a day of national pride, reflection on Paraguay’s history, and celebration of its culture and achievements.
Chaco Armistice
The Chaco Armistice, observed on June 12th, commemorates the end of the Chaco War between Paraguay and Bolivia (1932-1935). This conflict was fought over control of the Chaco Boreal region. The armistice marked Paraguay’s victory, securing most of the disputed territory.
On this Day, Paraguayans remember the soldiers who fought and died in the war. Military parades and ceremonies are held, especially in Asunción. Veterans are honored, and the national flag is widely displayed. Schools often organize special lessons about the war’s history. It’s a day of national pride but also a reminder of the costs of war.
Founding of Asunción
August 15th marks the founding of Asunción, Paraguay’s capital, in 1537 by Spanish conquistadors. This date coincides with Independence Day, making it a dual celebration. Asunción, one of the oldest cities in South America, is honored for its historical significance as the point from which Spanish colonization expanded into the region.
The city hosts special events, including concerts, art exhibitions, and food festivals showcasing local cuisine. Historical reenactments might take place at colonial-era buildings. It’s a day when Asunceños (residents of Asunción) take particular pride in their city’s heritage, while all Paraguayans recognize the capital’s importance in their nation’s history.
Boqueron Battle Victory Day
Boqueron Battle Victory Day, celebrated on September 29th, commemorates a crucial Paraguayan victory in the Chaco War against Bolivia. The Battle of Boquerón in 1932 was a turning point in the conflict, boosting Paraguayan morale and setting the stage for their eventual triumph. On this Day, military parades and ceremonies honor the soldiers who fought in the battle.
Veterans are specially recognized. Schools often have lessons about the struggle and its significance in Paraguayan history. It’s a day of national pride, remembering the courage and sacrifice of Paraguayan troops. Some communities organize cultural events or sports competitions to mark the occasion.
Virgin of Caacupe Day
December 8th is dedicated to the Virgin of Caacupe, Paraguay’s patron saint. This Day sees one of the largest religious pilgrimages in South America, with hundreds of thousands of people traveling to the Basilica of Caacupe. The devotion stems from a legend of an indigenous sculptor saved by the Virgin Mary’s intervention.
Pilgrims often walk long distances to reach the basilica, some making promises or seeking miracles. The Day involves masses, processions, and the singing of hymns. It’s not just a religious observance but also a cultural event, with food stalls and artisanal markets set up around the basilica. Many Paraguayans see this as a day of spiritual renewal and national unity.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day in Paraguay blends religious observance with family gatherings and festive celebrations. As a predominantly Catholic country, many attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Families typically gather for a late dinner on the 24th, enjoying traditional foods like Clerico (a fruit punch) and pan dulce (sweet bread). Gift-giving often happens at midnight.
Christmas Day itself is usually spent relaxing with family, visiting relatives, or attending church services. Despite the summer heat (December is summertime in Paraguay), some families maintain Northern Hemisphere traditions like decorated trees and Santa Claus imagery. It’s a time of joy, reflection on the birth of Jesus, and strengthening family bonds.