Paraguay Public Holidays 2025
Paraguay has 11 public holidays and 2 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 1 Mar | Sat | Heroes' Day | public |
| 17 Apr | Thu | Maundy Thursday | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 30 Apr | Wed | Teacher's Day | optional |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 15 May | Thu | Independence Day | public |
| 12 Jun | Thu | Chaco Armistice | public |
| 15 Aug | Fri | Assumption | public |
| 29 Sep | Mon | Boqueron Battle Victory Day | public |
| 8 Dec | Mon | Virgin of Caacupe | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 31 Dec | Wed | New Year's Eve | bank |
About Paraguay's Holidays
Paraguay has a mix of national, religious, and cultural holidays that unite people. National holidays honor independence and founding moments. People celebrate with parades, flag displays, and official events in cities and towns.
Religious holidays are strong because many Paraguayans are Catholic. Holy Week and Christmas bring family gatherings, church services, and traditional foods. These days are often public holidays when schools and many businesses close.
Cultural celebrations show local music, dance, and crafts. Festivals mark regional traditions like Guarani heritage and folk music. These events combine community pride, crafts markets, and colorful costumes, keeping Paraguayan culture alive and shared across generations.
Holiday Traditions
Holidays in Paraguay blend family, faith, and joyful music. People often start with church services or small prayers. Many traditions mix Spanish and Guarani culture, so language and songs feel warm and familiar to everyone.
Family meals are central. Houses fill with classic foods like chipa, sopa paraguaya, and grilled meats. Families share tereré, a cold herbal tea, while talking, laughing, and remembering ancestors. Kids run around playing with relatives.
Public celebrations are lively with folk music and dance. Towns hold parades, live bands, and crafts markets. People wear colourful traditional clothes for dances and performances, showing pride in Paraguayan culture.
Community spirit is strong. Neighbors visit, help prepare food, and invite each other to celebrations. This makes holidays feel friendly, welcoming, and full of shared memories.
Travel Tips
Holiday season in Paraguay (py) is busy. Government offices and banks close for several days. Plan paperwork before travel. Tourist sites may have altered hours, so check ahead before you go.
Shops and restaurants often open with shorter hours. Supermarkets stay open but get crowded. Expect celebrations in towns and cities that make places lively and noisy at night.
Most travel is by long distance bus, local buses, taxis and flights. Bus schedules can be reduced and seats fill fast. Book intercity tickets and flights early. Allow extra travel time for delays and traffic.
Useful tips: carry cash because some places close card machines. Keep ID copies and proof of hotel bookings. Confirm opening times and transport schedules to avoid surprises.