Festivals in Paraguay for el Día de San Blas
Villages and cities around the world save Feb. 3 to celebrate St. Blaise, but the people of Paraguay organize special festivals for the saint known as San Blas recognizing his role as the country's patron saint. While smaller villages host religious services, many larger cities feature annual festivals complete with parades and weeklong celebrations in San Blas' honor. The events welcome both Paraguayans and visitors of all religions.
Dia de San Blas
San Blas, also known as St. Blayse, Blaze or Blaise, was a Christian bishop from Armenia martyred Feb. 3, A.D. 298. The Catholic Mass said in his honor each year includes a blessing of the celebrants' throats in recognition of the saint's dedication to teaching and his work in curing throat conditions. The Cathedral of St. Blaise in Ciudad del Este is named for the saint and hosts a large festival to honor its namesake each February. Part of the Diocese of Ciudad del Este, the Roman Catholic church is in the Alto Parana area of the city.
The CIA World Factbook notes that Roman Catholics account for approximately 90 percent of the Paraguayan population and, as a result, religious festivals have a high degree of participation. The country celebrates a number of other festivals during February, including parades and events to honor local patron saints. Citywide events are part of the celebrations, and residents of villages travel to participate in the religious observances and feasts in larger villages and cities.
Visitors to the city centers and metropolitan areas of Paraguay, including the capital city of Asuncion and the cities of Ciudad del Este, Conception, Encarnacion, Pedro Juan Caballero and Coronel Oviedo, have an opportunity to participate in larger Dia de San Blas celebrations. The largest cathedrals involved in the festivals include the Catedral Inmaculada Conception de Maria in Concepcion and the Catedral Nuestra Senora de los Milagros, a cathedral and national shrine in Caacupe. The festivals feature parades with floats honoring San Blas and costumed dancers and musicians. Since 1916, February also has been the time for a series of national carnivals organized and hosted by larger metropolitan planning committees and local churches. Many take place on el Dia de San Blas.
While small villages have interesting local festivals to honor San Blas, tourist accommodations outside the capital city are difficult to find without professional travel assistance. The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs noted in November 2011 that tourist facilities in remote areas were nonexistent. The bureau recommends using a reputable agency with experience traveling outside Asuncion for the most satisfying vacation experience. Reputable travel agents belong to professional organizations such as the National Association of Career Travel Agents and the American Society of Travel Agents.
- Oxford Language Dictionaries Online: Calendar of Traditions, Festivals, and Holidays in Spanish-speaking Countries
- Central Intelligence Agency -- The World Factbook: South America -- Paraguay
- U.S. Department of State: Background Note -- Paraguay
- Travel.State.Gov: Paraguay -- Country Specific Information
- National Association of Career Travel Agents
- American Society of Travel Agents: Who We Are
- GCatholic.com: Diocese of Ciudad del Este, Paraguay
- GCatholic.com: Cathedrals in Paraguay
- Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images