Asunción celebrates: Santiago Peña’s inauguration coincides with the city’s 486th anniversary

Paraguay’s capital, Asunción, is decked in national colors in anticipation of the inauguration of Santiago Peña as its president and to mark Asunción’s 486th anniversary.

Flags flutter across many locations, with the historic López Palace, dating back to 1857, standing out prominently.

Peña, who emerged victorious in the recent elections with 1,292,079 votes, will assume his office in this iconic building until 2028.

A series of cultural and entertainment activities, including dance performances, theater shows, entrepreneur fairs, and concerts, are set to enliven the capital for several days.

The official inauguration, scheduled for April 15th, will witness the attendance of multiple heads of state and is expected to host over 100 foreign delegations.

Dignitaries confirming their attendance include Argentina’s Alberto Fernández, Bolivia’s Luis Arce, Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula de Silva, Chile’s Gabriel Boric, and Uruguay’s Luis Lacalle Pou.

Other notable attendees comprise Spain’s King Felipe VI, Taiwan’s Vice-President William Lai, and Ralph Gonsalves, the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The day’s itinerary includes the oath-taking ceremony of Peña and Pedro Alliana as the President and Vice-President, respectively, at the López Palace.

This will be followed by a religious ceremony at the Metropolitan Cathedral, Asunción’s premier Catholic shrine.

Established in 1845, the cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption, the city’s patron.

Later in the day, Peña and First Lady Leticia Ocampos will greet the attending delegates at a presidential luncheon.

The evening promises a grand military and police parade and an artistic performance along the city’s waterfront.

An entrepreneur fair, championed by Ocampos on social media, will showcase local talent and creativity.

The day culminates with an artistic gala, celebrating both the beginning of Peña’s presidential tenure and Asunción’s founding anniversary.

Established in 1537 by Juan de Salazar de Espinosa, Asunción’s history and heritage will be at the forefront of the celebrations.

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