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On August 15, we celebrate the founding of one of the oldest cities in South America - Asuncion, Paraguay! This historic city was founded on this day in 1537 by Spanish explorer Juan de Salazar y Espinosa and has since grown into a vibrant and culturally rich metropolis. Asuncion is known for its beautiful architecture, delicious local cuisine, and friendly locals. So let's take a trip back in time and learn more about the fascinating history behind this beloved city as we give it the celebration it deserves!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1537</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Asuncion's Founding</div><div class='timeline-text'>Spanish explorer Juan de Salazar y Espinosa founds Asuncion, on the feast of the Assumption, hence the name Asuncion.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1603</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>University Establishment</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National University of Asuncion, one of the oldest universities in South America, is established, indicating the city's importance in the region.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1776</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Capital Shift</div><div class='timeline-text'>Asuncion loses its status as the capital of the Spanish South American colonies to Buenos Aires, which significantly impacts its growth and development.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1811</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Paraguayan Independence</div><div class='timeline-text'>Asuncion plays a crucial role as Paraguay proclaims its independence from Spanish rule. The city continues to be a significant political center for the new nation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1868</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Triple Alliance War</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the devastating Paraguayan War, also known as the Triple Alliance War, Asuncion is occupied by allied forces, leading to significant changes in the city’s lifestyle and culture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Asuncion</div><div class='timeline-text'>Asuncion experiences significant development and modernization, becoming a vibrant city with a rich blend of cultures, beautiful architecture, and bustling markets.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities in Paraguay hold parades to celebrate the founding of Asuncion. Attend one of these parades to experience the culture, music, and traditional dress of the city.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit historical sites</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a tour of the city's historical sites such as the Palacio de los López or the Church of La Encarnación to learn more about the founding of Asuncion and its significance in Paraguayan history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try traditional foods</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate by indulging in some traditional Paraguayan dishes such as sopa paraguaya (a cheesy cornbread) or chipa (a type of bread). You can also attend a food festival or cooking demonstration to learn more about the cuisine.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a fireworks display</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities in Paraguay put on spectacular fireworks displays to celebrate the founding of Asuncion. Find out where and when the closest display is happening and enjoy the show.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Join a traditional dance group</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take part in the festivities by joining a traditional dance group. You'll get to learn some new moves and be a part of the celebrations in a unique way.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It marks an important historical event</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The founding of Asuncion in Paraguay is a significant event in the country's history. It was the first Spanish settlement in the region and served as a major trade center for centuries. Celebrating this day allows us to remember and honor the impact of this founding on Paraguay's development.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National holidays like this are often celebrated with parades, festivals, and other community events. Asuncion Day is no different - it brings people from all over Paraguay together to celebrate their shared heritage and culture. This sense of unity and togetherness is something we can all appreciate.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It showcases the beauty of Paraguayan culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>During the festivities surrounding the founding of Asuncion, you can experience traditional music, dance, food, and more. It's a great way to learn about and appreciate the unique cultural traditions of Paraguay. Plus, you might discover some new favorite foods or dances in the process!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Asuncion is known as “Mother of Cities”</h3><p class='facts-content'>Asuncion was crucial to the Spanish colonisation in South America acting as a central base from where further expeditions to other territories were launched. This earned Asuncion the nickname, "Mother of Cities".</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The city was founded on The Feast of the Assumption</h3><p class='facts-content'>The name Asuncion is Spanish for Assumption referring to the Catholic feast day of the Assumption of Mary when the city was formally established by Spanish Conquistador Juan de Salazar y Espinosa.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Ypacarai Lake near Asuncion is considered Paraguay's signature natural wonder</h3><p class='facts-content'>Discovered during the founding years of Asuncion, Ypacarai Lake is now one of Paraguay's most famous natural sites, often sung about in folk songs and visited by both locals and tourists.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Asuncion is home to one of the oldest railway stations in South America</h3><p class='facts-content'>Constructed in the 1860's under the rule of President Carlos Antonio López, the Central Railway Station of Asunción, was South America's first train station, solidifying Asuncion's important role in the continent's development.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Asuncion was originally a fortress city</h3><p class='facts-content'>At its founding, Asuncion was fortified as a military stronghold to prevent attacks from indigenous tribes and potential rival colonial powers. The city served as a crucial protective base for the Spanish forces.</p></div></div>
The Founding of Asuncion in Paraguay is celebrated on August 15 every year. In 2024 the celebration will fall on a Thursday.
2023
Aug 15
Tuesday
2024
Aug 15
Thursday
2025
Aug 15
Friday
2026
Aug 15
Saturday
2027
Aug 15
Sunday
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