Piribebuy: History, Sugarcane and the 60-listas Tradition

Piribebuy is known as “La Ciudad Heroica” and is closely connected to Paraguay’s history. At the same time, families here preserve an old weaving tradition, and the “La Ruta de la Caña” tour brings sugarcane culture together with music, dance and a walk through the old town.

La Ruta de la Caña: from the sugarcane field to the old town

Fortín S.A. offers the historical and culinary tour “La Ruta de la Caña” in Piribebuy. It introduces the process of making the artisanal sugarcane drink—from cultivation in the sugarcane field through to the finished product. The tour includes Paraguayan music, traditional folk dances, tastings of typical dishes prepared with Paraguayan sugarcane, and special cocktails.

The walking tour begins in the centre of Piribebuy and includes a stroll through the historic old town. If you plan to take the tour, its starting point may be a useful reference when choosing a holiday rental. Confirm availability and reservation details directly with Fortín S.A. before your visit.

A city with a turbulent history

The nickname “La Ciudad Heroica” reflects Piribebuy’s special place in Paraguayan history, particularly in connection with the War of the Triple Alliance. In December 1868, Marshal Francisco Solano López ordered the capital of the Republic to be moved from the Cuartel General de Pikysyry to the new seat of government in Piribebuy. The city thus became the country’s third capital.

A five-hour resistance is also remembered: 1,600 Paraguayan defenders faced an army of 20,000 allied troops before the city fell. The city’s political role as a seat of government and the remembered resistance tell different chapters of its history.

The Santuario Nacional Dulce Nombre de Jesús

The Santuario Nacional Dulce Nombre de Jesús is popularly known as “Capilla Guazú” (“large chapel”) because of its size, which is considerable compared with other churches in the region and the country. In 1942, Juan Sinforiano Bogarín, then Archbishop of Paraguay, declared the Santuario a national shrine.

The shrine is of Franciscan origin and features Jesuit architectural influences. On the pulpit, tabernacle and confessionals, the initials “IHS” bear the symbol of the Society of Jesus. Thus, Franciscan origins and Jesuit architectural influences meet in the same building; the individual details give Piribebuy’s religious history a tangible form.

Weaving tradition, the poncho and folklore

A distinctive textile tradition in the city is the weaving of the Poncho de 60 listas. Families continue to preserve the old technique. At the Museo Histórico Pedro Pablo Caballero, a Poncho de 60 listas typical of Piribebuy is one of the outstanding exhibits. It belonged to Agustín Barboza; his wife donated it.

The “Festival del Poncho Para’í de 60 Listas” is a folk festival where national and international artists present music and dance. Together with the traditional weaving technique, the poncho shows how closely textile craftsmanship and Piribebuy’s cultural identity are connected.

Another side of Piribebuy at Paseo Las Palmeras

Paseo Las Palmeras provides visitors with a library and invites them to explore the diversity of plant life and walk through a palm tunnel. Visitor offerings may change; check what is currently available before your visit. Nature experiences and the city’s history thus complement Piribebuy’s cultural themes with different interests to consider when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations

Caacupé, Tobati, Atyra, Arroyos Y Esteros, Nueva Colombia District, San Bernardino, Altos, Caraguatay

For the main travel overview: Cordillera.