Paraguay

Economy

Last year, the national poverty rate in Paraguay was approximately 20.1%, according to data from TheGlobalEconomy.com and Trading Economics. For example, domestics usually earn around only $20 per week. However, the rural areas face even higher poverty levels, with rates near 34.6%, according to the World Bank. Roughly one-fifth of the population lives below the national poverty line, reflecting a significant reduction from over 50% in 2003. While the overall poverty rate has fallen to 20.1%, up to 66% of indigenous people live in poverty. Structural barriers, including limited access to quality jobs and gaps in human capital continue to hinder further poverty reduction, according to World Bank.

Paraguayan Culture

Paraguayan culture is a deeply rooted, homogeneous blend of Spanish colonial and indigenous Guaraní traditions, characterized by widespread bilingualism, strong family ties, and hospitality. The mix of the indigenous Guaraní Indian culture with the Spanish conquistadors resulted in friendly, warm, and welcoming people. Over 90% of the population is mestizo, heavily influencing their social customs, traditional Catholic festivals, and unique, sentimental music like the harp-driven polka. Since most people in Paraguay are mestizos, people of mixed European and Indian descent, most are bilingual in Spanish and Guaraní. In fact, it’s common to see Guaraní Indians selling feathered headdresses in city plazas or locals riding through the streets in horse- or ox-drawn carts. Paraguayans are very hospitable and enjoy a peaceful, leisurely paced life. Paraguay culture involves many traditions that celebrate its native arts, crafts, music, instruments, and dance. Socially, the country maintains strong traditions, though gender roles in urban areas are evolving towards more equality.

Key Cultural Aspects

Language & Identity: Paraguay is unique in South America for its high retention of an indigenous language, with over 80% speaking Guaraní alongside Spanish. Jopara, a mixture of both, is commonly used.
Family Structure: Families are patriarchal, close-knit, and central to social life, often including extended family in daily activities.
Social Etiquette: Paraguayans are generally polite, soft-spoken, and value patience.
Religion: Around 90% of the population is Roman Catholic, which influences major holidays like the Festival of San Blas and Christmas.

Traditions & Customs

Tereré: The national drink, a cold version of mate, is deeply ingrained in daily life, symbolizing friendship and sharing.
Music and Dance: The Paraguayan polka and the galopa (including the famous bottle dance) are popular, along with traditional, sentimental songs played on the harp.
Sports: Soccer is the favorite pastime which is enjoyed in both the urban and rural areas of the country.
Crafts: Known for fine, intricate textiles like ñandutí (spiderweb lace) and ahó poi (embroidered cloth).
August 1st Custom: It is a tradition to drink carrulim (a mixture of caña, rue, and lemon) on August 1st to bring good health and ward off bad luck.
Cuisine: A hearty, mostly meat-based diet featuring sopa paraguaya (a solid corn cake), mbejú (starch cake), and parrillada (grilled meat).

Key Celebrations

Dia de San Blas (Feb 3): Celebration for the patron saint of the country.
Independence Days (May 14-15): A major patriotic celebration.
Festival of Caacupé (Dec 8): A large, nationwide religious pilgrimage.

Fundación Belen

Raquel Flores, is the leader of Fundación Belen which is a 100% volunteer organization. From a very early age her parents taught her about Faith and work. This explains the group's motto, “Help me Help”. Their efforts focus on helping the poorest of all the poor. Raquel says, “We are materially poor, but as we walk through this life, we have a vision of what needs to be done.”

There are people who cannot walk, are elderly, or are born into families that are very poor. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that too many people are not prepared to face the extremes of Paraguay’s very cold or hot climate, especially those of who live in the countryside. The number of people who ask for bus fare, food, and a place to sleep and eat is countless. But Fundación Belen has “open doors”… willing to help all whenever possible.

Fundación Belen has:

Created hospital shelters for the poor and children.
Created a nursing home where they rescued abandoned and abused grandparents.
- Many elderly cannot walk and/or are blind.
- Shelters provide food, medicine, kitchen utensils, household items, mattresses, sheets, clothing, and shoes.
Helps with 200+ indigenous children dependant on their mothers.
- Love, peace, and bread are abundant.
- Programs teach bread making and gardening skills so they can learn to provide their own food.
200+ young people use a shelter where they can participate in sports in an effort to keep them from street crime.
The Leprocomio program serves those who have leprosy.
Assistance is provided for orphaned children being raised by aging grandparents.
Programs rescue abandoned cats or dogs left behind when the elderly or sick die. Fundación Belen never abandons these creatures made by God.

Everyone receives shelter in Belen House.

EVERYTHING CT Quest sends is used. Nothing is thrown away because even the cardboard is used as carpets or folders, cardboard boxes become wardrobes to store clothes and household utensils. EVERYTHING is USEFUL for Fundación Belen.

Imminent Issues for the Belen Group:

Fundación Belen needs to grow because economic needs are increasing.
Transportation is a major issue.
- Bus fares are costly because the poor can only use public transportation.
- The one vehicle which Fundación Belen has is deteriorating due to overuse. It is used to deliver donations, and it acts as an ambulance for those who need transportation to or from hospitals.

Raquel said, “We will be eternally grateful to those who help us with the containers. There are no words to thank you for this great help, so I just say GOD PAY YOU, BLESS YOU, THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND OUR PRAYERS ARE FOR ALL AND WE WISH THAT YOU ALL WILL BE VERY HAPPY.”