Paraguay has a lively calendar of religious and cultural events, many of them rooted in Catholic tradition mixed with Guaraní custom.
San Blas Day (3 February) is Paraguay's national day, honouring the country's patron saint. Celebrations are nationwide, with the biggest in Ciudad del Este. Expect processions, music, and dancing.
Carnival takes place in February and is celebrated across the country, but Encarnacion runs the best show — a multi-week event with elaborate costumes, samba schools, and street parades that rival better-known carnivals elsewhere in South America. The atmosphere is genuinely festive, and the event has grown significantly in recent years. If you're in the region in February, it's worth timing your visit around it.
Semana Santa (Holy Week) before Easter is widely observed, with religious processions in most cities. Many Paraguayans travel to their home towns for the holiday; buses fill up and accommodation should be booked in advance.
The Nandutí Festival is held in Itauguá in late July. Nandutí is a traditional Paraguayan lace, and the festival showcases local artisans alongside food, music, and folk dance. The name means "spiderweb" in Guaraní, and the lace's circular patterns justify it. Itauguá is on the Circuito de Oro, easy to reach from Asunción.
Festival del Lago Ypacaraí runs through spring (September–November) in San Bernardino, a resort town on Lake Ypacaraí. Music, food stalls, and outdoor events draw crowds from Asunción. A relaxed, social atmosphere.
Oktoberfest is celebrated in several cities in October, particularly in communities with German and Mennonite heritage. Filadelfia in the Chaco and several towns in eastern Paraguay host events with traditional food, beer, and music.