Paraguay Hosts 6th National Pirá Caldo Festival, Gaining International Acclaim

San Antonio, Paraguay, is set to host the 6th National Pirá Caldo Festival on August 2, an event that has gained international recognition from the portal TasteAtlas. This culinary celebration is a significant gastronomic activity in the Central department and is expected to draw approximately 20,000 people, doubling last year's attendance.

The festival will take place at the former Hotel grounds from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, featuring over 30 exhibitors from across the country. The main attraction will be the competition for the Best Pirá Caldo, where chefs will prepare the traditional dish using fresh river fish like surubí, mandi’í, and piraña. A panel of national chefs will judge the entries based on flavor, technique, presentation, and adherence to riverside culinary identity.

Beyond the gastronomic contest, attendees can enjoy a folklore festival, musical performances, DJ sets, an artisan fair, and a fishing exhibition. The festival, declared of national interest by Congress, originated in 2000 along the Paraguay River. After a pandemic-induced pause, it has re-established itself as a key gastronomic and tourist event for San Antonio.

Festival organizer Marcos González expressed pride in the TasteAtlas recognition, attributing it to the community's efforts and the richness of Paraguayan cuisine. "Receiving this distinction fills us with pride and motivates us to continue promoting our traditions. We invite all citizens to share this great family celebration," he stated.

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Receiving this distinction fills us with pride and motivates us to continue promoting our traditions. We invite all citizens to share this great family celebration.