Paraguay from every angle
Life, culture, landscapes. All that is Paraguay, and my life here
Caacupe and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Caacupe is the religious center of Paraguay and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception its principal festival. The town of Caacupe is located 54km from Asuncion. It is home to the modern Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Miracles. Within that is housed the statue...
The drought is over. The rains have come.
Winter is the dry season in Paraguay. A lack of rain at that time of year is quite normal. However this year the dry season was far drier and lasted far longer. Winter in Paraguay runs from June until mid August. Although on the whole the temperatures are far from...
Every town in Paraguay has a market
There is one thing every town in Paraguay has in common with every other. That is its market. From the smallest country town to the largest of the cities there is always a market to be found. These do vary in size from place to place. In some towns they are large...
The new ecclesiastical museum in Caacupe
Caacupe is the religious center of Paraguay. As such it is fitting that it should have a museum in which to display its religious heritage. Caacupe approximately 50km is the home to the Virgin of Caacupe. The Virgin of Caacupe is venerated across the country and the...
In Paraguay cicadas are the sound of summer
One of the most common sounds across Paraguay during summer time is that of the cicadas. Their appearance every year heralds the arrival of summer. Cicadas are large insects with large blunt heads and transparent wings. A pair of large eyes stare out from their heads...
When it rains in Paraguay the streets become flooded
In Paraguay for most of the year the sun shines brightly. It can though rain at any time during the year. When it does the rain comes down in torrents. With bright clear skies being the normal state of affairs things are built to cope with that. Most roads are built...
Termite mounds in the Paraguayan countryside
Termite mounds are a common sight throughout Paraguay. Their solid orange bulk rising from the ground. Almost no views of the countryside lack at least one. In terms of numbers they are possibly the most common creature in the land. Termites are found not just in...
A brief history of the Chaco War 1932 – 1935
The Chaco War took place in the Northern Chaco Boreal in South America. The war was fought between Paraguay and Bolivia. It was the largest inter state war in the Americas in the 20th century. The exact cause of the war has always been unclear. However the border...
In Paraguay every neighbourhood has its chapel
In Paraguay religion plays an important part in everyday life. Particularly the Catholic church. Every town has its principal church. These are often fine old buildings which serve as a focus for the town. Beyond these is a large network of neighbourhood chapels. No...