Asunción's microcenter saw a massive influx of people on Thursday, May 15, as the city kicked off celebrations for the 215th anniversary of Paraguay's independence, according to Ultima Hora. The festivities, scheduled through Saturday, transformed the capital's historic core into a hub of cultural and patriotic activities.
Early in the morning, workers set up food stalls, activations, fairs, and stages along key streets and landmarks. A student parade on Estrella Street featured bands and traditional dancers from various schools. Palma Street, one of the busiest, hosted a special edition of the Palmear Fair, offering a wide variety of gastronomic options and a competition for the 'jagua patriota' (patriotic dog), where pets dressed as independence-era heroes paraded.
Museums drew large crowds, with guided tours and special events. The Casa de la Independencia saw families eager to view relics of the founding fathers and colonial artifacts. The Cañas Paraguayas building offered a guided tour with tastings. Plaza de Armas, in front of the Cabildo, featured food stalls from various countries and a stage where artists including Villagrán and Juan Cancio Barreto performed. Late in the evening, actors reenacted the night the independence heroes made their historic decision.
During the day, a military march on the Costanera included an aerial flyover with the president and other authorities present. At midnight, fireworks lit the sky to commemorate the independence achieved 215 years ago.