Another holiday season far away from Paraguay
Another year has passed…, and this year as many others I will celebrate Christmas far away from my home country, far from my family and friends.
I still remember what this time of year is like in Paraguay, the flor de coco smell in the air, vendors trying to sell their xmas stuff, people buying presents with their Aguinaldo (13th salary), people working less hours, and spending more time with family and friends.
Celebration is in the air, it pretty much starts with the 8th of December Virgen de Caacupe celebration, that is the most important religious festivity, it takes place on dic 8th in Caacupe a small city about 60km from Asuncion. People from all over the country peregrinate to the Cathedral in Caacupe on that day to pay promises and maybe make new ones
It’s a big festivity, all along the way from Ypacarai to Caacupe (16km) you will see all kinds of vendors, that will supply all kind of needs that the peregrinates may have along the way.
People usually walk in groups, and its easy to see people of all kind of ages walking over the hill, some parents caring their kids, a student groups listening music or drinking terere on the way, seniors,
Most people walk during the night and early morning hours because at that the of the year during the day the heat is unbearable.
During December Paraguay just glows, sadly this situation has another face, the face of sadness of the poor people that maybe wont have a decent Christmas meal or toys for their children again this year.
But one thing is for sure there still remains a lot hope that shines like a xmas star in all Paraguayan hearts for a better new year that is around the corner.
And for me that I’m far away like many other families that won’t be celebrating xmas in Paraguay with their love ones in Paraguay, I’m sure we will have them in mind when the clock turns 12 and we will raise hour glasses and wish all a Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año nuevo.
