Belén Celebrates 266th Anniversary with Grand Parade and Festivities

The city of Belén, Paraguay, marked its 266th anniversary on August 23 with a vibrant display of civic pride. Celebrations kicked off with a traditional parade featuring students, civil organizations, police, and military personnel. The event took place on Padre José Sánchez Labrador Avenue, drawing participation from numerous educational institutions from Belén and surrounding districts, as well as invited schools. The colorful procession was met with applause from attendees. The anniversary festivities also included the election and coronation of Miss Belén, held at the municipal hall, with eight young women competing for the title. Following the beauty pageant, a dance party featured performances by local groups Tropical Tres and Los Verduleros. Earlier in the day, a commemorative ceremony was held at the Presbítero José Sánchez Labrador plaza, attended by district, educational, military, and police authorities, alongside local residents. Belén, located 20 kilometers from the capital of the Concepción department, has seen substantial urban development in recent years. According to Mayor Javier Peralta, his administration has implemented numerous projects that have transformed the appearance of the city, which is the oldest in northern Paraguay. The city now boasts fully asphalted access roads and paved streets throughout most of its urban area. Historically, Belén was founded as Nuestra Señora de Belén by Jesuit missionaries shortly before their expulsion from Paraguay. The area was originally inhabited by the Mbayá people, an ethnic group belonging to the Guaicurúes.