When it is served chilled, it is called tereré. Paraguay is a country with long traditions, a passion for soccer, and fascinating natural wonders. Ethnicity, Language, and Religion in Paraguay Famous Paraguayan athletes are Jose Luis Chilavert of football (soccer) and Rossana De Los Rios (tennis). Facts about the Paraguay’s people Roughly 90% of Paraguay’s population is of Mestizo descent. However, three dictators governed it during the first 60 years of independence. Business appointments often begin 10 to 20 minutes late. Corn is used in Paraguayan soup (sopa paraguaya), Bori bori soup and other dishes. Homes here don't have doorbells. The country’s Coat of Arms is on the front and its Treasury Seal is on the back with its motto, ‘Paz y Justica’ (Peace and Justice). Useful when you are learning about the country, or perhaps supporting Paraguay in a sporting occasion! History of Paraguay . Family traditions define a Paraguayan’s social standing in society. Paraguay’s main culture is derived from its Spanish colonial roots and traditional Guarani native customs. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. Exploring Paraguayan Culture. 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. As of 1 January 2016, the population of Paraguay was estimated to be 6,683,941 people. Paraguay’s tumultuous history since the 1600s has led to the development of a very diverse and non-Westernized culture. Today, 95 percent of Paraguay’s people are mestizos, descendants of those Spanish men and Guarana women. Paraguayans may be late, but visitors are expected to be punctual for business meetings. The Guaranís in Paraguay live along streams and use bamboo rafts, or occasionally canoes, for transportation. The indigenous population is composed of seventeen ethnic groups from five linguistic families. The skill and craft is passed down through the generations. Paraguay culture places special emphasis on being welcoming to tourists and visitors. A culturally significant practice surrounding family is the Paraguay concept of godparents. The Paraná River, which runs through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina is South America’s second-longest river after the more famous Amazon River. Christian holidays are major events in Paraguay, especially Christmas. This makes Paraguay’s population the most homogenous in South America. The music includes polkas and galopas. Paraguay families espouse conservative values, many of them deriving from the predominant Roman Catholic tradition started in the 1700s by Jesuit tradition. Paraguay’s national beverage is mate. Fishing is as popular as football. Paraguay’s principal cultural institutions are located in Asunción. It is imbibed through a metal drinking straw called a bombilla. In 1526 and again in 1529, Sebastian Cabot explored Paraguay when he sailed up the Paraná and Paraguay rivers. Below are some interesting, funny and unusual facts about Paraguay’s history, culture, famous people, literacy rate, imports and exports, popular sports, animals, natural resources, wildlife and national parks, economy, tourism and much more. Paraguay is the only country worldwide whose national flag has different emblems on each side. Paraguay has a rich and vibrant culture that is a blend of native Amerindian and Spanish cultures. In 1537, Asuncion, Paraguay's modern capital, was founded by Juan de Salazar, a Spanish explorer. When most geographers talk of Paraguay they tend to mention the great Gran Chaco plains, or the sparsely wooded hills, Vacation In Paraguay. 10. The Paraguayan War (1864-70) was proportionally the most devastating war in modern history. Guide to travel, doing business, and studying in Paraguay - culture, greetings, gestures, etiquette, taboos, negotiations, gift-giving, and more. Paraguay celebrates Independence Day on May 15, from 1811 to now. Paraguay still honors Hayes, and there is a local soccer club named after him, Club Presidente Hayes. Leryn Franco is a javelin thrower who participated in three different Olympic games and was also featured in the 2011 ‘Sports Illustrated’ “Swimsuit Edition.”. Naturally, this is one of my favourite interesting facts about Paraguay. It left Paraguay with less than 15% of its prewar population and with a 1:4 male to female ratio. Paraguay food is based on a few basic staples: manioc, cornmeal and cheese. 20. Connections are more important than expertise. Paraguay’s citizens age 15 and older … As a result, 93% of Paraguay’s population is a mix of European and Guarani background. Cassava (or mandioca) is baked with cheeses to make the thick bread known as Chipa. 2. A good deal of them also speak Jopara, which is a mix of Spanish and Guarani. Paraguay’s cultures and traditions are mixture of European and Guarani. The language of Guarani is completely different from Spanish. The name "Paraguay" derives from the river that divides the eastern half of the nation from the western Chaco region. Food and Recipes: The national dish is sopa paraguaya which is a corn bread with cheese and onions. Culture. Nanduti (meaning “spiderweb”) is beautiful lace created in circular designs and found in a rainbow of various colors. A big part of the Paraguay culture is occupied by fine laces and embroidery. Tourists are often invited to plays and musicals put on by locals and celebrated throughout both city and countryside. Dueling is legal in Paraguay. Local Paraguay art is mostly based on embroidery and music. Fresh fish is also available in southern Paraguay from the Parana River and tends to be non-seasoned. In larger cities, the markets are stocked with fresh bell peppers, onions and corn crops every day. 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. The day’s main meal is eaten at noon. 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. A mix of the indigenous Guaraní Indian culture with the Spanish conquistadors resulted in friendly, warm, and welcoming people who are proud of their riverside capital of Asuncion, Jesuit mission ruins, and national parks. 15. Their navy is the largest of any land-locked country in the world. Two staples of the Paraguayan diet are corn and cassava, a starchy root vegetable. This is one of the country’s unifying strengths. It even defines marriage. Men and women wear the poncho, and women wear shawls called rebozos. Despite a history of poverty and political repression, Paraguay often ranks as the "world's happiest place" based on global polling data. The native Guarana people were living in Paraguay long before the arrival of the Spanish in the early 1600s. All Rights Reserved. Over half of Paraguayans work in agriculture and forestry. •Traditional clothing worn by Paraguayans are similar to the Latin American nations, though the women favor brighter colors. In the 1600s, most Spaniards who arrived from Europe inter-married with the native women. The lovely nanduti lace is known across the world. Sebastian Cabot, in the service of Spain, explored the Paraguay River in 1527, hoping it would lead him to Peru. 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. (Source: Chicago Tribune) 8. 13. 7. Paraguay’s flag is one of the world’s oldest national flags. – Source. Newborns in Paraguay are given godparents who are in favorable social positions and often wealthier than the biological parents. 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. Paraguay is the world’s sixth-largest soybean producer, the second-largest tung oil producer, the second-largest stevia producer, sixth-largest corn exporter, seventh-largest beef exporter and fourteenth-largest wheat exporter. The … There are learned societies concerned with Paraguayan and Guaraní history and culture as well as various other societies and research institutes. Situated on the border with Brazil, the dam is owned by both countries. Paraguay’s literacy rate is higher than that of the United States. And Spanish cultures population than most other countries in South America Chilavert of football ( soccer ) and de. 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