Culture of Paraguay

Paraguay is considered the heart of Latin America. The customs of the local people developed under the influence of the traditions of the Spaniards and Indigenous people, who had long lived in the region.

Features of the culture of Paraguay

Two languages ​​are official in the country: Spanish and Guarani spoken by most aborigines, poets write poems, and writers - books and stories.

The population is proud of its history and ancestors, therefore it protects its own culture. There are several ethnographic and linguistic research centers, for example, the Paraguayan Indians Association and the Guarani Language and Culture Academy.

In Paraguay almost 95% of the inhabitants are Hispanic-Mexican half-breeds. There are also ethnic Argentines, Arabs, Chinese, Japanese, Germans, Koreans, Italians who have preserved their culture and language. About 90% of the population professes Catholicism. Priests solve many questions, administer justice, manage communities, they are trusted with their secrets and problems.

In the country there are many world confessions, peacefully getting along with each other. In various parts of the state there are local religious holidays, which are celebrated separately from national celebrations (Easter, New Year, Christmas). These events are unique in their kind and are distinguished by special rituals.

Unusual traditions and customs in Paraguay

When you arrive in Paraguay, be prepared for the fact that people here behave quite differently from your home country:

1. Family ties are above all: sellers in stores can not pay much attention to the buyer for a long time, talking to someone on the phone or in person, but you can not take offense at this, after all, it's likely that these close people share family news.
2. To outsiders, many Paraguayans are wary and even suspicious.
3. Handshake in the country are exchanged unfamiliar people, and kissing and hugging can be close friends or relatives.
4. In local restaurants and cafes, only mate is served by all the rules, and they do not try hard to make tea and coffee here.
5. In Paraguay, there is no snobbery and large divisions between the poor and the rich, since the vast majority of residents are descendants of simple Indian families.
6. A special attitude in the country towards the godparents, the choice of which is fairly responsible. They are highly respected, valued and considered family members.
7. "The whole world is a theater": this phrase completely reflects the nature of the Aborigines, because in each of their actions, there is an ambiguity and a certain ceremoniousness.
8. Very often a man, telling a woman beautiful words, does not feel anything for her, for him it's just a ritual, and the end result is not important to him.
9. In Paraguay, the slow pace of life, no one is in a hurry anywhere and rarely comes on time (this also applies to guides).
10. The favorite holiday in the country is the carnival , which is celebrated annually in February. Local residents dress up in bright costumes, theater performances take place everywhere, musical and dance groups perform.
11. Aborigines are friendly and always ready to help the traveler. However, keep in mind that, at the same time, it is embarrassing to inform a local resident of his ignorance, and he will rather provide inaccurate information than admits that he does not know something.
12. Paraguayans are very conservative in the wardrobe and assess the person by its appearance: a sports suit is a sign of poverty, and an adult person, dressed in short shorts or a skirt, will be considered vulgar.
13. To go to church or theater dress in the best outfits and are transformed spiritually, for example, after the first blow of the bell, even clamorous street vendors turn into arrogant hidalgo and power matrons.
14. The most favorite sport in the country, regardless of the class, is football. A little less popular volleyball and basketball, as well as car racing.
15. Here often play the harp and guitar, while the melodies sound slow and sad, and music is most often of European origin.
16. Local "Paganini" in the country was Augustin Barrs, who created and performed music in the Latin American style, dressed up in a guarani costume.
17. Traditional dances in the state are rather original and alive, usually it is either polka, or bottle setting with a vessel on the head.
18. In museums, samples from non-traditional painting are often presented;
19. Paraguayans are very fond of meat dishes cooked with local products, for example, cassava and corn are part of most recipes of national cuisine .
20. In the country until 1992, every tenth aborigine was illiterate, in the villages there were often no schools. In 1995, the situation changed dramatically, and 90% of the population was able to get an education.

Other customs in Paraguay

The most popular traditional activity in the state is the weaving, which is called nanduti (Ñandutí) and is translated as "cobweb". This exquisite lace, made by hand and used in a variety of delicate items with round figures of linen, silk and cotton. The process is quite laborious, it takes several weeks.

The locals still make traditional Indian musical instruments that were popular before the arrival of the conquistadors. These are drums, whistles, mbaraki (rattle), ratchets, pipes, harps and flutes. At present, melodies are performed in small musical groups as part of ensembles. The culture in Paraguay is boundless and multifaceted, it evokes interest from travelers and beckons with its exoticism.