San Miguel: Festival del Ovecha Rague kicks off with patriotic spirit

San Miguel, Misiones, known as "The City That Warms You," has officially launched its 35th annual Festival del Ovecha Rague, Música y Artesanía. Artisans have set up stalls in the San Miguel Arcángel plaza, showcasing their wool crafts with great anticipation for sales and to promote the community's work, culture, and traditions. This year's festival, celebrating 35 years, is particularly vibrant with products inspired by the national football team, the Albirroja, and the Paraguayan flag, aiming to rally support for the team's participation in the USA 2026 World Cup. Julia Álvarez, an artisan, highlighted these patriotic-themed garments as a key feature. The opening day included "El Despertar de los Telares" (The Awakening of the Looms), where artisans received their exhibition spaces. The festival runs until June 14th, with expectations of a significant tourist turnout. The closing event will be the "serenata misionera," a traditional musical performance featuring delegations from across the Misiones department. Future events include a "Caminata de fe" (Walk of Faith) procession, a folkloric mass, and an act called "Memoria Viva" celebrated in Guaraní, honoring veterans of the Chaco War. A traditional criollo lunch with regional dishes will follow, alongside an artisanal fashion show, "Hilando Arte & Elegancia." The festival will also broadcast the Paraguayan national team's match against the United States on a giant screen, under the theme "Aliento Guaraní" (Guaraní Encouragement).