Five peculiarities of Paraguay that will suprise you

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Paraguay is one of the world’s most spectacular countries. In addition, it is not overcrowded in terms of tourists, so one can enjoy it in a special and unique way. As if that were not enough, it has an absolutely magical essence, as well as peculiarities that few people know.

Another important aspect about Paraguay is its people’s kindness. They are always willing to help with whatever one may need. It is clear that once visiting this country you will want to do it again and again, as it will make you fall in love with it forever.

If a visit to this American corner is in your plans, it is time to discover a few interesting facts that will not leave you indifferent.

IS THE SOUP SOLID?

Not all of them, but the most famous one is. There are a great number of legends about how this dish was created, the best known of which dates back to the 19th century. The cook of Don Carlos Antonio Lopez, the president, was preparing a soup and exceeded the amount of corn flour. Hence it was more consistent than other times.

Using her ingenuity, she tried baking it in the oven. When the president tasted it, he did not hesitate for a second to present this dish as “the Paraguayan soup” to ambassadors from several countries. You have to try it if you visit Paraguay!

THE FLAG IS DIFFERENT ON FRONT AND BACK

This is, undoubtedly, one of the most striking features. It was adopted in 1842, being the only flag in America that is different on each side. This country’s flag has three horizontal stripes, white, red and blue, with the same width.

On the front we can see a coat of arms with two palm and olive branches curving in the shape of a crown, perfectly encircling a star. On the back of the flag, we find another coat of arms, an image of a lion with a Phrygian cap, along with an inscription: “Peace and justice.”

THERE ARE TWO OFFICIAL LANGUAGES

It should be noted that virtually 90% of Paraguayans know both languages – Spanish and Guarani. Historically, until 1989, speaking this second language could be dangerous because it was considered a “second language” during the Stroessner dictatorship. After this dictatorship was overthrown and because of the 1992 Constitution, the language gained notoriety.

THE GUARANI, THE OLDEST LEGAL TENDER IN SOUTH AMERICA

It was created in 1943, making it one of the oldest currencies on the continent. Although it may seem complicated to use, especially for those of us who are used to dollars, you will get the hang of it very quickly. It has “many zeros,” and that is precisely what it is characterized by. To give you an idea, in 2021, US$1 corresponds to 6,864 guaranis. To simplify when you’re there, the 20,000 Guaranies banknote is worth around US$3 and the 100,000 Guaranies note (the largest denomination in circulation) is around US$15.

WHY DOES THE COUNTRY CELEBRATE TWO INDEPENDENCE DAYS?

Although, in reality, it all happened in a matter of hours. On the night of May 14, 1811, several revolutionaries decided to take over the General Headquarters to free over 30 political prisoners. This feat ended on the morning of May 15, when Spanish governor Bernardo Velasco surrendered his weapons.

These hours were decisive for Paraguay to conquer its Independence, being the 5th country in America to do so. Thus, from May 14 to 15, year after year, the well-known “Day of the Motherland” is celebrated. If you visit Asunción, you must visit the House of Independence, as the birth of the Republic took place in this building.