Happy TravellerWelcome to Itauguá, a city located in the Central Department of Paraguay. Founded in 1728, this charming city is known for its unique art of the ñandutí and its vibrant music scene. Itauguá is located just 30 kilometers away from Asunción, making it an easy day trip for those visiting the capital city. In this article, we will explore the history, culture, and attractions of Itauguá, and why it should be on every traveler’s itinerary.
== History and Toponymy ==
Itauguá’s name is related to the Ytay stream that flows through the land. Ita means stone in the Guaraní language, and gua indicates belonging in Guaraní language. The architecture of the Colonial Age is still visible in the center of the city. One of the most important cultural expressions is the Ñandutí Festival, which has been attracting large audiences annually for over 30 years. The city possesses a supply of drinkable water across Meetings of Environmental Reparation and does not possess sanitary sewer. It possesses, in addition, the polysport Dr. Nicolás Léoz.
== Demography ==
According to the General Office of Statistics, Polls and Census, Itauguá has 89,449 inhabitants, from which 44,997 are males and 44,451 females.
== Tourism ==
Itauguá has a lot to offer for tourists. Among the touristic attractions are the hills Patiño and Cerrito, the Virgen del Rosario Church, the San Rafael Museum, and the colonial houses built during the time of the former dictator Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia. The San Rafael Museum shows various objects from the Colonial Age. The Ñandutí Festival is a must-see for those interested in the local culture. This festival has been attracting large audiences annually for over 30 years and features performances by great artists such as Juan Cancio Barreto, Grupo Generación, Quemil Yambay, Vocal Dos, Oscar Pérez and his band, also the famous band of Juan Carlos Oviedo and the Acuña Brothers.
== Climate ==
The climate in Itauguá is pretty fresh. The warm weather predominates with high temperatures during the spring and the summer.
== Economy ==
Itauguá is characterized especially by the manufacture and sale of textiles of Ñandutí. This product is exported to many foreign countries. The tourists always show great interest in the ñandutí, considering it as an everlasting product which easily conquers international markets.
== How to get there ==
You can get to the city of Itauguá following the Route 2. Coming from Asunción, there are many public buses which go to Itauguá. The route is thoroughly signalized.
== Outstanding citizens ==
Itauguá is proud of its culture, and music is one of the popular passions of the municipality. Several representative artists of Paraguayan music have cradle itagueña. Important people born in Itaguá include Félix Fernandez, known by his poems in Guarani, Vicente yankee Cardozo, Fernanda parranda Baez (consumidora de cocido) rocio, the writer Nicolás Cóppulo, and Juan Crisóstomo Centurión, hero of the Paraguayan War and outstanding politician during the postwar. The city is also a cradle of important artists and musical groups such as Vocal Dos, Evolucion and others.
== Art and culture ==
The city celebrates intensely near the end of June to remember its foundation. The festivals attract the attention of other cities through dances, music and performances by folkloric bands. Ñanduti is a lace weaved with needles tailored in circular frames. This fabric gives a very delicate detail to many clothes and decorates. It is mandatory to get to Itauguá to hear the legend of the Ñandutí which is told with pride by the inhabitants.
== References ==
Reportaje al País. Tomo 1. Edición 2001. Asunción Paraguay. Geografía Ilustrada del Paraguay – ISBN 99925-68-04-6 – Distribuidora Arami S.R.L. La Magia de nuestra tierra. Fundación en Alianza. Asunción. 2007.
== External links ==
SENATUR World Gazeteer: Paraguay – World-Gazetteer.com
