Student parade adds color to Ypacaraí’s 139th-anniversary celebrations

Ypacaraí’s anniversary celebrations filled its main avenue with students, uniforms, music and traditional costumes. About 40 educational institutions took part in Sunday’s traditional parade as the city marked 139 years and prepared for the 54th Ypacaraí Lake Festival.

Students marched along Mariscal Francisco Solano López Avenue in formal uniforms, while chiroleras added rhythm and ceremony to the procession. Younger children also took part, some in gala dress and others in colorful traditional outfits representing Paraguay’s customs and traditions.

Teachers and relatives accompanied the children as a large crowd watched, applauded and smiled. Students from San Isidro Labrador School and College in Jhugua Jhu, Ypacaraí, stood out in traditional clothing that highlighted the community’s cultural identity. Flag bearers carried their school colors with pride.

The celebration took place ahead of the city’s official anniversary date on Sept. 13. On that day, attention will turn to the Ypacaraí Lake Festival, which this year honors Flaminio Arzamendia. The event at the Municipal Events Center will feature music, theater and a craft fair, bringing together national artists and cultural figures.

Ypacaraí’s history is closely tied to the railway. The community, once part of Itauguá under the name Guazú Virá, began to develop after the train arrived. The railway reached the Guazú Virá station on May 27, 1864. The station later became known as Tacuaral Station, reflecting the abundance of bamboo in the area.

Rail service helped drive the community’s economic and population growth. On Sept. 13, 1887, during the presidency of General Patricio Escobar, a decree created the town of Ypacaraí and gave it administrative independence from Itauguá. This year’s celebrations place students, artists and families at the center while keeping the city’s traditions visible.