Villarrica prepares for fifth San Juan Ára festival

Villarrica, Paraguay, is gearing up for the fifth edition of its popular San Juan Ára festival, scheduled for June 19 at the city's historic former train station. The event, organized by the Municipal Directorate of Culture, aims to celebrate Paraguayan traditions with a blend of gastronomy, artisan crafts, and artistic showcases.

Organizers anticipate a significant turnout, expecting between 10,000 and 14,000 people to attend the free festival. Nadia Barreto, the municipal secretary of Tourism, highlighted the event's growing popularity and its role as a key cultural celebration in the capital of Guairá. This year, 100 stands have been allocated, with 85-90% dedicated to traditional Paraguayan foods.

Attendees can look forward to sampling classic dishes like pastel mandi’o, chipa, and sopa paraguaya. The festival will also feature performances by students from municipal schools of dance and music, alongside local artisans and entrepreneurs. Traditional San Juan games, such as paila jeheréi and pelota tata, will also be part of the festivities, offering a vibrant cultural experience for all.

The San Juan Ára serves as a platform for emerging artists and young talents to display their work. The municipality's choice of the former train station as the venue underscores the event's connection to the city's heritage, making it a significant cultural gathering.