President Santiago Peña signed Decree No. 6601 on Wednesday, August 20, moving the national holiday of September 29, Day of the Battle of Boquerón, to Monday, September 28, 2026. The measure is supported by Law No. 7544/2025, which allows shifting holidays to promote economic and tourism purposes.
The holiday honors one of the most decisive battles of the Chaco War (1932–1935), a conflict between Paraguay and Bolivia over possession of the Chaco Boreal. The decree describes the date as "of high significance for Paraguayan nationality" and an opportunity to pay tribute to veterans.
The Executive Branch argues that the change will "generate greater tourist and economic activity" in the country's interior, in addition to facilitating family reunions for Paraguayans with relatives outside the capital. The measure creates a long weekend, as the holiday originally fell on a Tuesday.
The decree establishes exceptions for essential services. Employees in emergency medical services and dialysis will not be excused, and appointments and surgeries scheduled for September 28 must be rescheduled within seven days. Also excluded from the holiday are public employees in services essential to the community, foreign trade, and tax collection.