For example, men in rural areas wear traditional loose-fitting trousers called bombachas, though they may pair them with a Western work shirt for practical reasons. They are also very hard-working and accustomed to government and political turmoil. The Itaipu Dam on the Parana River produces almost all of Paraguay’s electricity. Paraguayans may be late, but visitors are expected to be punctual for business meetings. Though Paraguay is a land-locked country with no border on the ocean, it has a well-trained navy. The lovely nanduti lace is known across the world. Ruling political families often pass down their power to their children and marry within each other. 17. 19. Instead, people announce their arrival by clapping their hands. It is imbibed through a metal drinking straw called a bombilla. e The history of Paraguay is a result of development and interaction of varying cultures of indigenous peoples in Paraguay and overseas immigrants who together have created the modern-day Paraguay. As a result, 93% of Paraguay’s population is a mix of European and Guarani background. Paraguay’s name is said to mean “crowned river” after the Guarani words for water and palm crown. Paraguay’s literacy rate is higher than that of the United States. Fishing is as popular as football. Some Guaraní songs and poems have made their way into the popular culture of the Paraguayans. Exploring Paraguayan Culture. Paraguay people value art and music above all other hobbies and there’s many traditions based heavily in these pastimes. The name comes from the native words, in the Guarani language, for spider and fabric. Corporate Culture. Paraguay is known to have a history of ‘blood and tears’, yet through it all Paraguayans remain incredibly proud people, displaying strong signs of unity throughout their culture. Famous Paraguayan athletes are Jose Luis Chilavert of football (soccer) and Rossana De Los Rios (tennis). A big part of the Paraguay culture is occupied by fine laces and embroidery. Paraguay is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Nowhere else in South America can tourists find a hardier and well-lived people. The indigenous population is composed of seventeen ethnic groups from five linguistic families. The Guaraní culture is strongly represented through folk art and festivals, and Guaraní was designated an official language of … In Paraguayan culture, godparents are often people who are financially better off than the actual parents and are expected to help provide financial support to their godchildren. Paraguay culture places special emphasis on being welcoming to tourists and visitors. Homes here don't have doorbells. Food and Recipes: The national dish is sopa paraguaya which is a corn bread with cheese and onions. •Traditional clothing worn by Paraguayans are similar to the Latin American nations, though the women favor brighter colors. 2. Paraguay has a more-homogeneous population than most other countries in South America; most Paraguayans are of European and Guaraní ancestry. Situated on the border with Brazil, the dam is owned by both countries. The Paraná River, which runs through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina is South America’s second-longest river after the more famous Amazon River. Fresh fish is also available in southern Paraguay from the Parana River and tends to be non-seasoned. And then came the Spanish, who built Asunción in 1537 and established an overseas province called Paraguay. 8. The language of Guarani is completely different from Spanish. Family is the center of the Paraguay culture. It left Paraguay with less than 15% of its prewar population and with a 1:4 male to female ratio. As of 1 January 2016, the population of Paraguay was estimated to be 6,683,941 people. Family defines what employment their children will have and political views. Guarani is mostly spoken in smaller towns/communities, especially by the elderly people. This is one of the country’s unifying strengths. These can often be seen in the clothes that people wear. •The traditional food in Paraguay are grilled ribs, yuca, chipa, sopa Paraguayan, chipa guazu, locro, poroto, yopara. Paraguay celebrates Independence Day on May 15, from 1811 to now. Cassava (or mandioca) is baked with cheeses to make the thick bread known as Chipa. Ethnicity, Language, and Religion in Paraguay 12. 7. In 1526 and again in 1529, Sebastian Cabot explored Paraguay when he sailed up the Paraná and Paraguay rivers. How to Plan Your Trip, Folk Medicine and Medicinal Plants in Paraguay, The Myths, Legends and Folklore of Paraguay, The Jesus and Trinidad Jesuit Missions of Paraguay. We've pulled together a few interesting facts about Paraguay's geography, history and culture, and have a complete set of flag printables - including jigsaw, notebooking pages, colouring page and bookmarks - for you to enjoy. Endangered animals include the jaguar, harpy eagle, red parrot, giant armadillo and anteater (jurumi). Paraguay’s flag is one of the world’s oldest national flags. Tourists are often invited to plays and musicals put on by locals and celebrated throughout both city and countryside. Guide to travel, doing business, and studying in Paraguay - culture, greetings, gestures, etiquette, taboos, negotiations, gift-giving, and more. While there’s not an official social caste in Paraguay, there’s a very defined line between the poorer farming class and the economically richer business class. History of Paraguay – A land locked nation in S central South America, bounded on the N and NW by Bolivia; on the NE and E by Brazil; and on the SE, S, and W by Argentina. The music includes polkas and galopas. The people of Paraguay enjoy sports, including football (soccer), rugby, tennis, and volleyball. Due in large part to Paraguay’s first dictator, Jose Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia, who only allowed colonial citizens to marry blacks, natives, and mulattoes, creating a predominately Mestizo race. Mate (pronounced “mahtay”) is often served hot. History of Paraguay Like much of South America, the territory of present day Paraguay was once a stomping ground for semi-nomadic indigenous tribes, who jostled for space and resources in the region for thousands of years. As a result of the intermarriages between the male Spanish settlers with the indigenous Guarani females, over 90% of the country’s population is mestizos. The vast majority of the population (95 percent) shares a Paraguayan identity, but several other cultural identities exist. 4. 4. Dueling is legal in Paraguay. 80% of people in Paraguay are bilingual, speaking Spanish and the native Guarani language. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. Paraguay’s citizens age 15 and older … The Paraguay people place family above all else – including government and state loyalty. Paraguay’s principal cultural institutions are located in Asunción. In 1811, Paraguay gained independence from Spain. The skill and craft is passed down through the generations. Useful when you are learning about the country, or perhaps supporting Paraguay in a sporting occasion! 3. New parents in Paraguay view this as a custom protecting their children from financial ruin in the event of their death. Connections are more important than expertise. Paraguay is full of culture. Naturally, this is one of my favourite interesting facts about Paraguay. Facts about the Paraguay’s people Roughly 90% of Paraguay’s population is of Mestizo descent. Paraguay food is based on a few basic staples: manioc, cornmeal and cheese. Paraguay has a rich and vibrant culture that is a blend of native Amerindian and Spanish cultures. Culture. When it is served chilled, it is called tereré. Legal Dueling. When most geographers talk of Paraguay they tend to mention the great Gran Chaco plains, or the sparsely wooded hills, Vacation In Paraguay. There is a significant difference in terms of the wealth of the population in different countries on the … Follow Us A community … Paraguay’s nickname is the “Corazón de América” (the Heart of America). Guarani is still spoken by everyone in Paraguay, regardless of their income, politics or social class. Despite a history of poverty and political repression, Paraguay often ranks as the "world's happiest place" based on global polling data. A culturally significant practice surrounding family is the Paraguay concept of godparents. 14. The Paraguayan War (1864-70) was proportionally the most devastating war in modern history. Today, 95 percent of Paraguay’s people are mestizos, descendants of those Spanish men and Guarana women. Sebastian Cabot, in the service of Spain, explored the Paraguay River in 1527, hoping it would lead him to Peru. Young Paraguay adults tend to have more Westernized views as the Internet and television make an impact on Paraguay’s cultural evolution. Paraguay is the only country worldwide whose national flag has different emblems on each side. Other traditional folk arts are embroidered cloth, black clay work and ceramics, and gorgeous silver jewelry in filigree designs. The day’s main meal is eaten at noon. All Rights Reserved. Paraguay still honors Hayes, and there is a local soccer club named after him, Club Presidente Hayes. Paraguay’s people make some of the world’s finest lacework. 1. Corn is used in Paraguayan soup (sopa paraguaya), Bori bori soup and other dishes. Paraguay is just a little smaller than the state of California. In 1537, Asuncion, Paraguay's modern capital, was founded by Juan de Salazar, a Spanish explorer. An ancient cure, it was one of the primary medicines of the Incas. Nanduti (meaning “spiderweb”) is beautiful lace created in circular designs and found in a rainbow of various colors. Two staples of the Paraguayan diet are corn and cassava, a starchy root vegetable. There are two languages most common in Paraguay, one is spanish and one is an Indian language called Guarani. Paraguay has two official languages, Spanish and Guaraní. The South American country of Paraguay, one of the two landlocked nations in the continent, is home to a population of 7,025,763 individuals. Paraguay is a country with great natural beauty and friendly people, but is one of the least visited in South America. In the 1600s, most Spaniards who arrived from Europe inter-married with the native women. Christian holidays are major events in Paraguay, especially Christmas. 3. In the 1600s, most Spaniards who arrived from Europe inter-married with the native women. 18. More Uruguay animals include brown wolves, foxes, tapirs and more than 1000 species of birds. The Guirani language, spoken widely in Paraguay, is one of the largest spoken indigenous languages in South America. However, the participants must have registered as blood … Many people in Paraguay blend traditional clothing styles with Western styles, according to Safari the Globe. This makes Paraguay’s population the most homogenous in South America. Paraguay’s national beverage is mate. Paraguay Facts and Culture What is Paraguay famous for? However, three dictators governed it during the first 60 years of independence. History of Paraguay . Yerba mate, which is related to common holly, is cultivated on plantations. William E. 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