Día de San Blas 2024

Every year on February 3rd, Paraguayans celebrate

, a festival that honors the patron saint of the city of Ciudad del Este. This vibrant celebration brings together locals and tourists alike to partake in a variety of traditional activities, including food, music, dance, and religious ceremonies.

In this blog post, we will explore the origins and significance of Día de San Blas and highlight some of the most popular activities that take place during the festival.

San Blas, or Saint Blaise, was a physician and bishop in the 4th century who is known for his miraculous healings and protection against throat diseases. He became the patron saint of Ciudad del Este, a city located in the eastern region of Paraguay, after a group of settlers prayed to him for protection during an outbreak of a throat disease in the area.

The disease subsequently disappeared, and the settlers attributed their survival to San Blas.

Today, Día de San Blas is celebrated throughout Paraguay, but it is especially significant in Ciudad del Este, where the festivities are known to be the most exuberant. The festival is a time for locals to honor San Blas and to showcase their culture and traditions to visitors from all over the world.

The Día de San Blas celebration typically lasts for several days and includes a wide range of activities that reflect Paraguay's unique cultural heritage. Some of the most popular activities that take place during the festival include:

: The festival begins with a Mass in honor of San Blas, which is held at the Cathedral of Ciudad del Este. This is followed by a procession through the city streets, during which locals carry images of the saint.

: Paraguayans are known for their love of food, and Día de San Blas is no exception. Traditional Paraguayan dishes, such as chipa and sopa paraguaya, are served throughout the festival, along with plenty of beer and caña, a local sugarcane-based liquor.

: Music is an integral part of Paraguayan culture, and the festival features a variety of live performances by local musicians and dance troupes. The traditional polka and guarania dances are particularly popular during the festival.

: Paraguay is known for its high-quality artisanal crafts, and the festival is a great opportunity to browse and purchase handmade goods, such as ceramics, textiles, and jewelry.

is a vibrant celebration of Paraguayan culture and tradition that attracts visitors from all over the world. Whether you're interested in religious ceremonies, food, music, dance, or artisanal crafts, there's something for everyone at this festive event.

By honoring the patron saint of Ciudad del Este and showcasing their unique cultural heritage, Paraguayans have created a festival that is not to be missed. If you're planning a trip to Paraguay in February, be sure to include Día de San Blas on your itinerary!