Paraguay and Its Culture

The inhabitants of Paraguay are a multicultural people. Aside from the mestizos, who emerged primarily from unions between indigenous Guaraní women and Spanish immigrants and who represent the largest percentage of the population, Paraguay is home to indigenous people, many Europeans, Asians, and other South American inhabitants such as Argentinians, Uruguayans, and Brazilians, as well as Mennonites who originally emigrated from Germany, Canada, and Russia.

Therefore, in some parts of the countryside, there are diverse colonies where the cultures of their respective countries of origin are partially preserved.

Family life and personal freedom are very important. The pace of life is predominantly peaceful, especially in the countryside far from the big cities, where human relationships always take center stage. This is how Paraguayans are: friendly, polite, and helpful.

Paraguayans always have time for a chat and to enjoy a refreshing tereré in the summer or a hot mate in the winter.

The musical taste of young people leans towards global trends. Otherwise, Paraguayans prefer their traditional music such as the Polka, Guarania, or the famous Cachaca. Each of these musical styles is accompanied by its corresponding traditional dance.

When it comes to food, highlights include the traditional asado (barbecue) and typical dishes such as chipa (made from corn flour), sopa paraguaya (also made with corn flour), soyo (a meat and vegetable soup), and mbejú (made from cassava flour), among others.

The traditional drink is tereré, made from yerba mate, which is served cold and accompanied by various herbs or refreshing remedies depending on the drinker’s needs.

Many religious groups have chosen Paraguay due to its freedom of religion. Jehovah’s Witnesses, for example, have built temples throughout the country.

There are thousands of Mennonites living in about 20 colonies, the most well-known of which are located in the Chaco. Most of them speak a dialect derived from the German language.

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