The National Day of Paraguay is on 15th May. It marks the country’s independence from Spanish colonial rule in 1811. Paraguay’s independence process began in 1810. This following the May Revolution in Buenos Aires and you can see this in the national day celebrations in South America.
National Day of Paraguay
When the May Revolution started the new of this spread across South America. In Paraguay people also started to organised themselves. Everyone wanted the end of Spanish Rule. In May 1811, a group of Paraguayan leaders, including Fulgencio Yegros, was a military leader born in 1780 and Pedro Juan Caballero. Together they staged a coup against the Spanish governor Bernardo de Velasco on May 14, 1811. They then declared Paraguay’s independence from Spain. They then proceeded to establish a provisional government. Fulgencio Yegros became the first head of state.
The process was not easy as the country also had its fair share of Spanish loyalists. The neighboring countries, such as Brazil (National Day of Brazil) and Argentina (National Day of Argentina). They were also fighting for their own independence. The War of Independence against Spain as well as the War of the Triple Alliance. This against Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay (National Day of Uruguay), and the Chaco War against Bolivia (National Day of Bolivia).
Despite the challenges, Paraguay managed to maintain its independence and territorial integrity. Today, Paraguayans celebrate May 15th as their National Day, commemorating the country’s long struggle for freedom and self-determination.
Paraguay Public Holidays
Here are the public holidays in Paraguay:
- New Year’s Day – January 1st
- Three Kings’ Day – January 6th
- Heroes’ Day – March 1st
- Holy Week – dates vary each year (Thursday and Friday are considered bank holidays)
- Labor Day – May 1st
- Independence Day – May 15th
- Boquerón Battle Victory Day – September 29th
- Columbus Day – October 12th
- All Saints’ Day – November 1st
- Christmas Day – December 25th
It’s important to note that some holidays, such as Holy Week and All Saints’ Day, are celebrated for multiple days in Paraguay.
