Santiago, Paraguay

Toponymy

When it was originally named, Santiago was named San Ignacio de Caaguzú. It was re-founded in the Misiones department, Paraguay, in 1669 with the name of Santiago Apóstol.

History

Santiago is an old Jesuit mission and still today preserves many characteristics of the colonial time, like its great main square, the “house of the Indians” and a museum that preserves objects of art from colonial times.

During colonial times Santiago was a very important city because of its population, about 3,000 inhabitants.

It is important to mention that during the holidays it was organized the Opera of Santiago.

Geography

It is located 278 kilometers from Asunción, capital of the country. It is located on a hill, between Ayolas and San Patricio.

Climate

In summer, the temperature reaches 39°C, in winter drops to 0°C. The annual average is 21°C.

Population

Santiago has a population of 7,702 inhabitants, 4,017 men and 3,685 women, according to the General Direction of Polls, Statistics and Census.

Economy

The people of Santiago dedicate mostly to cattle. Also to the agriculture and sow corn, sugar cane, cotton and soy.

Municipality

The current governor is Ignacio Larre (Liberal Party).

Tourism

Santiago has an interesting museum of sacred art, the “Museo Jesuítico de Santiago” (Jesuit Museum of Santiago).

The church preserves many images carved in wood by the natives. The “House of the Indians” is also a museum that exhibits images of saints. The church has a unique altarpiece in the Missions; there are also many pictures of biblical themes. The museum in Santiago has 3 spaces where there is the Passion and Dead of Jesus Christ and La Piedad, which is one of the most outstanding sculptures in the museum. There are also many paintings in the exhibit.

The Benedictine monastery “Tupasy María” is a beautiful place of meditation, it was founded in 1984.

The inhabitants of this city preserve the old traditions and in January it is celebrated the “Fiesta Tradicional Misionera” (Missioner Traditional Festivity), when artists and horse breaker from Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, show their abilities in breaking-in and horseracing. In this event traditional Paraguayan food is always present, some of the dishes are ¨Batiburrillo¨ , the famous sopa and chipa Guazu with barbecues and the traditional Mandioca . This festivity usually attracts many tourists.It is actually being on his XXXVIII edition, this tradition is almost always celebrated in january 20 , 21 and 22th . Many International artist have participated such as Francisco Ruso and Michel Telo in the edition of 2014 . Also, it is organized by the ¨Club de Leones¨of Santiago Misiones, It is the biggest Traditional festivity in Paraguay in what respect of countryside festival.

The State “Tacuaty” is place for the Festival of Breaking-in and Folklore, located 270 kilometers from Asunción, to the south, in the road to Ayolas.

The Tambo Curupay is an inn where people can stay in their visit to the city, practice sports and take strolls in the country.