Asunción celebrates 489 years with monument inauguration and festivals

Asunción, Paraguay, is celebrating its 489th anniversary of foundation. To mark the occasion, the Catholic Church and the Paraguayan government inaugurated a bronze monument dedicated to the Virgin of Asunción. Located on the Costanera Norte, the sculpture by Ingrid Seall features a crown of 17 stars representing the country's departments. The ceremony was attended by President Santiago Peña and First Lady Leticia Ocampos.

Historical commemorations highlighted the city's origins in 1537, when Juan de Salazar y Espinosa founded the fort ‘Nuestra Señora de la Asunción’ following a pact with local indigenous groups. The city, often referred to as the ‘Mother of Cities,’ was established near the Paraguay River, which played a crucial role in its early development and the subsequent regional mestizaje.

Public celebrations included ASUFEST 489, an event organized by Mayor Luis Bello that drew approximately 40,000 people to the Costanera. The festival featured musical performances by the Asunción City Symphony Orchestra and various national artists. Admission to the event was free in exchange for donations of non-perishable food items for social initiatives.