Virgin of Caacupé Day 2023: Date, History and Five Facts About Paraguay

Virgin of Caacupé Day 2023: The revered Paraguayan tradition of Virgin of Caacupé Day, which has been celebrated for centuries, falls on December 8. An annual celebration of the anniversary of a holy apparition brings thousands of pilgrims to a small town in central Paraguay on this day. Due to divine intervention, a Guaraní sculptor named José was saved from near death centuries ago.

Following his promise, he carved a stunning statue of the virgin to express gratitude to the heavens. Since then, Our Lady of Caacupé has been guiding and guarding Paraguay.

Virgin of Caacupé Day 2023: History

Over the ages, many versions of the story of José and the Virgin Mary have been told; each has a unique meaning and set of lessons. An unforgettable day in 1600 marked the departure of José, a sculptor, from his home to gather firewood, and this is how the original legend of the Virgin of Caacupé began. As he was working, he was put in a difficult situation when a group of men from the mbaya, a rival tribe, arrived.

José was originally Guaraní, but during the 17th century, numerous missionsaries from various groups led him to become a Christian. Though most tribes rejected Christianity, the Guaraní were among those who converted. He commenced praying, fearing for his life. According to legend, a radiant Virgin Mary appeared and spoke to him in Guaran. “Get ye behind that bush,” she said in Spanish to José, “Ka aguy kupépe.”

Still praying fervently, José hid behind a tree. From the tree that provided him safety, he vowed to carve the image of the Virgin Mary if he survived. Fortunately, the mbaya didn’t notice and continued walking by. José fulfilled his promise to Mary. The artist sculpted two statues: a larger one that was eventually placed in Tobatí and a smaller one for his neighborhood.

The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles in Caacupé is home to the compassionate apparition of the Virgin Mary, which exists today. Being a major spiritual center, the city holds great importance in Paraguay.

The Way To See The Caacupé Day Virgin

Pay a visit to Caacupé.

Virgin of Caacupé Day saw a large number of pilgrims departing for the Basilica. Along with them, ask for the blessings of the Virgin Mary.

Make a prayer.

The Virgin of Caacupé is traditionally prayed to for employment and good health. Ask, and you will receive, just like José the sculptor.

Look into Paraguay

Every traveler’s fantasy are Paraguay’s luxuriant forests and dynamic cities. If you want to see the “heart of South America,” forget about Argentina and Brazil.

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Awe-Inspiring Five Facts About Paraguay

Tablecloths: an elaborate art form

18 months are needed to create one beautiful “ao po’i” lace tablecloth.

Guaraní language is distinct.

Twelve vowels make up the onomatopoeic word guaraní.

There is a large river.

This river, the Paraguay River, is the second longest in South America.

An energy hub for renewables

There are zero carbon dioxide emissions from 99.9% of the energy produced.

Previously a Nazi haven

Following World War I, a large number of Nazis fled to Paraguay, where they were given the assurance of protection by Stroessner’s government.

Why It Is Important To Remember Caacupé Day

It supports our adherence to faith.

We want to believe in miracles because of this day. Science can’t explain everything, and that’s okay.

Today is a good day to think.

Gratitude-filled moments are offered on Virgin of Caacupé Day. Believing or not, everyone needs a spiritual vacation.

It unites individuals.

Look up to a higher power when all else fails. For those who may be struggling, Virgin of Caacupé Day provides comfort and hope.

VIRGIN OF CAACUPÉ DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	December 8	Friday
2024	December 8	Sunday
2025	December 8	Monday
2026	December 8	Tuesday
2027	December 8	Wednesday