Rohayhu Paraguay
A cultural festival to celebrate Paraguay's 215th Independence Day
Paraguay – Remembrance, Freedom and Vibrant Culture
In May, a special atmosphere hangs over Paraguay – a whisper of history that reaches into our present day. The night of May 14-15, 1811, marks a turning point: quietly yet resolutely, driven by courage, vision, and a deep desire for self-determination, the foundation stone for a free Paraguay was laid. Without major bloodshed, but with a clear stance, a new consciousness took shape – that of a nation determined to forge its own path.
This historic movement did not arise in a vacuum. It was part of a larger transformation that swept across Latin America – fueled by the political upheavals in Europe, the Napoleonic occupation of Spain, and the resulting shifts in power. While revolutionary movements coalesced in many places, Paraguay consciously chose its own pace of liberation.
The events of those days tell of individuals who took responsibility, of courageous decisions, and of a people who began to understand themselves. With the formation of its own governing junta and the resignation of the Spanish governor, Paraguay entered a new era – as one of the first independent nations on the continent.
Today, over two centuries later, this spirit lives on – not only in historical memories, but also in the cultural expression of the country. This is particularly evident in the art of the Nivaclé people of the Chaco: with simple means, often just a ballpoint pen, they create dense visual worlds of astonishing precision and depth. Their works tell of nature, community, and a knowledge that has grown over generations.
This art is not a loud protest, but a quiet, powerful presence. It preserves identity, tells stories, and creates connections – between past and present, between visibility and what is all too often overlooked.
Thus, the celebration of independence becomes more than a historical commemoration. It becomes a vibrant space for encounter: between cultures, eras, and perspectives. A space where freedom is not only remembered but constantly redefined.
¡Viva el Paraguay libre!
Organizers Isabel Arevalos and Sonia Siblik