Misiones, San Miguel, Paraguay – San Miguel, the Wool Capital of Paraguay in the Misiones department, is gearing up to host the 34th 'Ovecha Rague' Festival. This four-day event, running from June 5th to 8th, promises to be more than just an art festival; it's set to be a grand celebration of the roots, traditions, and community spirit of the residents of San Miguel.

 
A Four-Day Extravaganza of Wool Festivities

The festival kicks off with vibrant energy on Thursday, June 5th. The opening of the expo fair will mark the beginning of the festivities, followed by the 'Festival de los Municipios' (Municipalities Festival), where invited regions will showcase their talents on stage.

On Friday, June 6th, the morning will see a solemn procession and a traditional folk mass, followed by lunch featuring artistic performances and traditional food. In the evening, the much-anticipated 'Miss Ovecha Rague' and 'Miss San Miguel' pageants will add excitement to the celebration.

Saturday, June 7th, is packed with the most diverse programs of the festival. Starting at 8:30 AM, a typical Paraguayan breakfast of caburé, mbeju, chipa, and cocido will be served, offering visitors a taste of local flavors. Mid-morning will feature a spectacular parade marking the official opening of the 34th festival, followed by a criollo lunch. From 8:00 PM, a large-scale music festival will continue until dawn, concluding with a passionate dance party for the younger generation.

The final day of the festival, Sunday, June 8th, will feature a lively traditional folk country event with participants from all over the country, including hosts, flag bearers, and artists. The four-day grand journey will conclude at 6:00 PM with a farewell celebration for all attendees in the central square.

 

A Festival Honoring Roots and Weaving Communities

Elvina González de Díaz, the Mayor of San Miguel, emphasized that this festival is more than just a spectacle; it's a quiet tribute to the artisans who weave culture into their daily lives.

"The Ovecha Rague Festival was born and grew thanks to the craftsmanship. Like the wool woven thread by thread, this festival binds the people of San Miguel together. This festival is our identity and provides economic opportunities for our artisans. My mother was also an artisan, and many of us, even if we have other professions, carry that legacy in our hands," Mayor González stated.

Mayor González encouraged everyone to participate in the festival, adding, "We hope everyone comes to share this festival with us. We invite you to this celebration that honors our culture, our faith, our music, and the craftsmanship that defines our community."

The 'Ovecha Rague' Festival offers a special opportunity to experience Paraguay's traditions and culture and to encounter the dedication of local artisans and their artistic creations. As it takes place in San Miguel, the center of the wool industry, visitors can particularly expect to see the beauty of wool crafts and glimpse the lives and emotions of the Paraguayan people contained within them.