Paraguay Independence Day is celebrated on 15th May every year even though the Spanish withdrew from the Latin American country on 14th May.
The day is normally marked by musical performances and a lot of merry making. It is also known as Dia de Independencia and commemorates Paraguay’s independence from Spanish rule.
Paraguay Independence Day Celebrations
The celebrations for Paraguay National Day take place all over the country. Events, such as parades, fireworks and concerts are held. However, there are different ways in which the day is celebrated across the country.
At the Campo Area people celebrate the event with their family and friends. People have barbecues, play football and have fun with lots of beer and loud music. They also mix wine with cola to create the unique taste that can make such days all the more memorable.
At the larger cities and towns in Paraguay parades are staged. People also indulge in traditional Paraguayan food such as Sopa Paraguayan and corn. Mate, a local drink, is a common feature during the festivities.
Paraguay Independence Day History
Ill conceived actions by the royalists in Paraguay played a major role in rousing nationalist emotions at the time independence was achieved. The then governor Bernardo de Velasco disarmed and dispersed the forces under his command after thinking that the Paraguayan officers who had defeated the portenos were a threat to his regime.
Majority of the soldiers in the forces were sent home without payment for their service of eight months. Velasco had previously been humiliated when he escaped from the battlefield at Paraguari after he thought General Manuel Belgrano would win the battle.
There was widespread discontent as a result of Velasco’s decision. The last straw was request for military support by the cabildo at Asuncion who were fighting against Belgrano’s forces who were stationed in present day Argentina. Spanish authority was overthrown on 14th and 15th May 2011.
Challenges before Paraguay
Political instability has been a major problem for Paraguay. In addition there have been disputes within members of President Fernando Lugo’s cabinet. This has meant that the Right Wing Colorado Party has regained popularity. As per reports Horacio Cartes, a businessman, has become a major political figure. The DEA has accused, strongly, that he has been involved in drug trafficking but he is still gaining in popularity in the political circles.
Maternal and infant mortality has been a major health problem for Paraguay but it has received substantial help from the World Bank in this regard. The Mother and Child Basic Health Insurance Project is looking to address this problem by using more selected life saving services.
Paraguay Facts