List of 12 public holidays in Paraguay for 2026, including New Year's Day, National Heroes Day, Maundy Thursday and more.
Paraguay's holiday culture is a soulful blend of deep-rooted Catholic traditions and vibrant Guaraní heritage, where communal celebrations and extended family gatherings take center stage. From the spiritual pilgrimage of Caacupé to the lively street festivities of San Juan, holidays are characterized by traditional music, dance, and the ubiquitous sharing of tereré and chipa.
Travelers should prepare for significant disruptions during Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the year-end period, as many businesses, including banks and smaller restaurants, close entirely. Public transportation, especially intercity buses, becomes extremely crowded or operates on limited schedules as residents flee the capital for rural family homes.
In Paraguay, business slows down considerably from mid-December through January. It is crucial to finalize contracts before this period or wait until February. Offering a small gift or 'canasta' (gift basket) to local partners in December is a highly valued gesture to strengthen professional relationships.
Visit in early December to witness the massive religious festival of the Virgin of Caacupé or in February for the colorful Carnival of Encarnación. To avoid the intense summer heat and the total shutdown of urban services, steer clear of the week leading up to Easter Sunday.
Common greetings include '¡Felices fiestas!' for the December holidays and '¡Felices Pascuas!' for Easter. In the local Guaraní language, you might hear 'Vy'apave Navidad' for Merry Christmas or 'Vy'apave Año Nuevo' for Happy New Year.