Villarrica, Paraguay
Encyclopedia
Villarrica is a city located in the middle of the Oriental Region of the Paraguayan territory, is capital of the Guairá Department
. It was founded by the Spanish
Captain Ruy Diaz de Melgarejo on May 14, 1570 in the old Guaira, today in Brazilian territory.
Villarrica has many places that honor the Paraguayan culture, such as the monument to the memory of Manuel Ortiz Guerrero
, honorary citizen of the city. About this city Bacón Duarte Prado (journalist and musician) wrote: Villarrica is the city of the eternal youth, born from the waters of the Ycuá Pytá and the breeze that comes from the hills.
Founded by the Spanish Ruy Diaz de Melgarejo, 350 km east from the Saltos del Guaira, on May 14, 1570, with the name Villa Rica del Espíritu Santo (Villa Rica of the Holy Ghost), finally settled in 1682 in the hills near the Ybytyruzu, part of the Caaguazú Cordillera, 180 m above ocean level.
The city is located near the Ybyturuzú, part of the Caaguazú
mountain chain. The land is elevated, rough and wooded, appropriate for cultivate of sugar cane, trees for wood and cattle.
The neighborhoods are: Ybaroty, San Miguel de Carumbey, Estación, Santa Librada, Santa Lucía, San Blás and Tutytimí.
In 1592, Ruy Díaz de Guzman moved the city 100 km east. In 1599 he moved it again, this time near the Mboteitei River, 100 leagues from Asunción. After long years of peaceful existence, the city was invaded in 1632 by the Mamelucos
, and after 4 years of pilgrimage the population settled in the closeness of Mbaracayú. Two years later, the Governor Valderrama determined to situate it in the fields of Yarú. In 1642 the population migrated again to Curuguaty
.
In 1678 the population settled close to the Tobatyry River, a place called “Espinillo”, but the soil was no good for agriculture so many people decided to organize and do a recognition expedition to the area beyond the Tebicuary River. They found fertile land near Ybyturuzú, so they requested the Governor authorization to move the city to that place. On May 25, 1682, he gave licence to establish in Ybyturuzú, only if the King approved it too, which he did on May 14, 1701. This date became the definite date of foundation. The Franciscan Missioners helped the consolidation of the city, founding a Guaraní Mission in Itapé
.
In 1906 it was created the 4th department of the country, formed by Villarrica, Itapé, Hiaty, Mbocayaty and Yataity. During the 20th century, explitation of the wood industry in Caaguazú and the importance of Villarrica as an urban center spurred the creation of a railway crossing the entire department from east to west.
, breed of small animals, dairy products, the textile industry, commerce and services.
, which parts from the joint of Route No. 2
and Route No. 7
and is paved until it reaches Caazapá
. There is also another route that joins with Route No. 7, which passes through Mbocayaty
, Natalicio Talavera
, Troche
and Blas Garay.
It has numerous educational institutions and schools, such as: the National School, the Ortiz Guerreo School, Technical and Vocational National School, the Diosesano Seminar, the Agriculture Regional School, Women Professional Institute, and the Pío XII School of Arts and Crafts.
The city has several radio stations, television cable service and a television station, the Channel No. 8.
The people from Guaira have preserve in their culture some myths and legends of the old natives, like the myth of póra (some kind of ghostly figure), pombero
, jasy jateré
, kurupi
, urutau, karau, jakare, among others.
Among the traditions of Europe
an origins, many they keep many religious festivities, such as the Crucifix day, also horse raises, cockfights, bullfights and many of dances and typical way of dressing.
Park (named this way in 1936, before it was called Ycua Pyta). The park is located in the north of the city, between the neighborhoods of Ybaroty and San Miguel.
Other centers of culture include the “Maestro Fermín López” Municipal Library and Museum, housing personal belongings of Fermín López and Natalicio Talavera
; arms and ammunitions from the Chaco War
, a collection of Paraguayan coins and bills, as well as other artifacts: native arrows, axes and bows, old furniture, machines, paintings, photographs and pieces of religious art.
Guairá Department
Guairá is a department in Paraguay. The capital is the city of Villarrica.It covers a surface of , with a population of 178130 inhabitants .You can get there through the Road nª8 Blas Garay...
. It was founded by the Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
Captain Ruy Diaz de Melgarejo on May 14, 1570 in the old Guaira, today in Brazilian territory.
Villarrica has many places that honor the Paraguayan culture, such as the monument to the memory of Manuel Ortiz Guerrero
Manuel Ortiz Guerrero
- Biography:Guerrero was born at Ybaroty, a neighborhood in the city of Villarrica del Espíritu Santo, Paraguay. He was the son of Vicente Ortiz and Susana Guerrero, who died after giving birth. He was raised by his grandmother, Florencia Ortiz. He realized his first studies in a school in...
, honorary citizen of the city. About this city Bacón Duarte Prado (journalist and musician) wrote: Villarrica is the city of the eternal youth, born from the waters of the Ycuá Pytá and the breeze that comes from the hills.
Founded by the Spanish Ruy Diaz de Melgarejo, 350 km east from the Saltos del Guaira, on May 14, 1570, with the name Villa Rica del Espíritu Santo (Villa Rica of the Holy Ghost), finally settled in 1682 in the hills near the Ybytyruzu, part of the Caaguazú Cordillera, 180 m above ocean level.
The city is located near the Ybyturuzú, part of the Caaguazú
Caaguazú
Caaguazú may refer to:*Caaguazú Department, Paraguay*Caaguazú District, Paraguay...
mountain chain. The land is elevated, rough and wooded, appropriate for cultivate of sugar cane, trees for wood and cattle.
Climate
The climate, in general is benign and healthy, with an average temperature of 21°C . In summer it reaches 38°C, while in winter it can drops to 1°C. The rainiest months are October and November.The neighborhoods are: Ybaroty, San Miguel de Carumbey, Estación, Santa Librada, Santa Lucía, San Blás and Tutytimí.
History
In the 16th century, Ruy Díaz de Melgarejo left Ciudad Real with 40 men and 53 horses to the East, where they expected to find mines of gold and silver. After arriving in the lands of Cacique (Chief) Cuaracyberá, he founded on May 14, 1570 a new town, chriztened Villa Rica del Espíritu Santo. It was named that way because the belief that there was abundant gold and silver in the area and also because the foundation occurred in the proximities of this religious festivity. Due to the constant invasions Paulist Bandeirantes, the city had to be moved seven times before settling in a definite place. For this reason it received the name of “Wandering city”.In 1592, Ruy Díaz de Guzman moved the city 100 km east. In 1599 he moved it again, this time near the Mboteitei River, 100 leagues from Asunción. After long years of peaceful existence, the city was invaded in 1632 by the Mamelucos
Mamluk
A Mamluk was a soldier of slave origin, who were predominantly Cumans/Kipchaks The "mamluk phenomenon", as David Ayalon dubbed the creation of the specific warrior...
, and after 4 years of pilgrimage the population settled in the closeness of Mbaracayú. Two years later, the Governor Valderrama determined to situate it in the fields of Yarú. In 1642 the population migrated again to Curuguaty
Curuguaty
Curuguaty is a city in the Canindeyú Department of Paraguay, that was the 4th capital of Paraguay during the War against the Triple Alliance.-Toponimy:...
.
In 1678 the population settled close to the Tobatyry River, a place called “Espinillo”, but the soil was no good for agriculture so many people decided to organize and do a recognition expedition to the area beyond the Tebicuary River. They found fertile land near Ybyturuzú, so they requested the Governor authorization to move the city to that place. On May 25, 1682, he gave licence to establish in Ybyturuzú, only if the King approved it too, which he did on May 14, 1701. This date became the definite date of foundation. The Franciscan Missioners helped the consolidation of the city, founding a Guaraní Mission in Itapé
Itapé
Itapé is a town in the Guairá department of Paraguay.- Sources :* – World-Gazetteer.com...
.
In 1906 it was created the 4th department of the country, formed by Villarrica, Itapé, Hiaty, Mbocayaty and Yataity. During the 20th century, explitation of the wood industry in Caaguazú and the importance of Villarrica as an urban center spurred the creation of a railway crossing the entire department from east to west.
Economy
The most important economical activities of the department are: the agricultureAgriculture
Agriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi and other life forms for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain life. Agriculture was the key implement in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that nurtured the...
, breed of small animals, dairy products, the textile industry, commerce and services.
Communications
The department has the Route No. 8 “Blas Garay”Route 8 (Paraguay)
National Route 8 is a highway in Paraguay, which runs from San Estanislao to Coronel Bogado. It mainly connects the north and the south regions of the Región Oriental of Paraguay...
, which parts from the joint of Route No. 2
Route 2 (Paraguay)
National Route 2 is one of the most important highways in Paraguay, which runs from Asunción to Caaguazu Department's capital, Coronel Oviedo. Crossing the departments of Central, Cordillera and Caaguazu...
and Route No. 7
Route 7 (Paraguay)
National Route 7 is an important highway of Paraguay. It links the departmental capitals of Caaguazú and Alto Paraná, Coronel Oviedo and Ciudad del Este, respectively. Crossing a total of 10 districts of both departments...
and is paved until it reaches Caazapá
Caazapá
Caazapá is a city in Paraguay, founded in 1607, by Friar Luis de Bolaños. It is located in the Caazapá District and is the capital of the Caazapá Department...
. There is also another route that joins with Route No. 7, which passes through Mbocayaty
Mbocayaty
Mbocayaty is a town in the Guairá department of Paraguay.- Sources :* – World-Gazetteer.com...
, Natalicio Talavera
Natalicio Talavera
Natalicio Talavera is a town in the Guairá department of Paraguay.- Sources :* – World-Gazetteer.com...
, Troche
Capitán Mauricio José Troche
Mauricio José Troche is one of the districts in the Guairá department, Paraguay. It is located 183 km away from Asunción, capital of Paraguay.In this area the population dedicates mostly to the agriculture and farming...
and Blas Garay.
Education
The city counts with the Catholic University, one of the oldest in the interior of the country. There is also Filial Faculties of the Asunción National University and North University.It has numerous educational institutions and schools, such as: the National School, the Ortiz Guerreo School, Technical and Vocational National School, the Diosesano Seminar, the Agriculture Regional School, Women Professional Institute, and the Pío XII School of Arts and Crafts.
Culture
Villarrica is considered by many as the second most important city, from the point of view of the Culture. Among the different social, recreational and cultural institutions, the next can be mentioned: “El Porvenir Guaireño”, “El Centro Español”, “El Club de Leones” (Lions Club), “Instituto de Cultura Hispánica” (Hispanic Culture Institute), “Teatro Municipal” (Municipal Theatre), “Orquesta de Cámara” (Camara Orchestra), “Escuela Municipal de Danza” (Dance School), “Asociación de Productores de Caña de Azúcar” (Sugar Cane Producers Association), “Liga Guaireña de Fútbol” (Guaira Soccer League) and “Liga Guaireña de Basquetbol” (Guaira Basketball League).The city has several radio stations, television cable service and a television station, the Channel No. 8.
The people from Guaira have preserve in their culture some myths and legends of the old natives, like the myth of póra (some kind of ghostly figure), pombero
Pombero
The Pombéro is a mythical humanoid creature of small stature being from Guaraní mythology. The legend, along with other mythological figures from the Guaraní, is an important part of the culture in the region spanning from northeast Argentina northward through the whole of Paraguay and southern...
, jasy jateré
Jasy Jatere
Jasy Jatere is the name of an important figure in Guaraní mythology. One of the seven cursed children of Tau and Kerana, Jasy Jatere is one of the most important legends among the Guaraní speaking cultures of South America, especially in Paraguay.Jasy Jatere, which means literally "a little piece...
, kurupi
Kurupi
Kurupira is the name of one of the important figures in Guaraní mythology. He is one of the seven monstrous children of Tau and Kerana, and as such is one of the central legendary figures in the region of Guaraní speaking cultures...
, urutau, karau, jakare, among others.
Among the traditions of Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an origins, many they keep many religious festivities, such as the Crucifix day, also horse raises, cockfights, bullfights and many of dances and typical way of dressing.
Main sights
One of the most visited places is the Manuel Ortiz GuerreroManuel Ortiz Guerrero
- Biography:Guerrero was born at Ybaroty, a neighborhood in the city of Villarrica del Espíritu Santo, Paraguay. He was the son of Vicente Ortiz and Susana Guerrero, who died after giving birth. He was raised by his grandmother, Florencia Ortiz. He realized his first studies in a school in...
Park (named this way in 1936, before it was called Ycua Pyta). The park is located in the north of the city, between the neighborhoods of Ybaroty and San Miguel.
Other centers of culture include the “Maestro Fermín López” Municipal Library and Museum, housing personal belongings of Fermín López and Natalicio Talavera
Natalicio Talavera
Natalicio Talavera is a town in the Guairá department of Paraguay.- Sources :* – World-Gazetteer.com...
; arms and ammunitions from the Chaco War
Chaco War
The Chaco War was fought between Bolivia and Paraguay over control of the northern part of the Gran Chaco region of South America, which was incorrectly thought to be rich in oil. It is also referred to as La Guerra de la Sed in literary circles for being fought in the semi-arid Chaco...
, a collection of Paraguayan coins and bills, as well as other artifacts: native arrows, axes and bows, old furniture, machines, paintings, photographs and pieces of religious art.
People from Villarrica
- Manuel Ortiz GuerreroManuel Ortiz Guerrero- Biography:Guerrero was born at Ybaroty, a neighborhood in the city of Villarrica del Espíritu Santo, Paraguay. He was the son of Vicente Ortiz and Susana Guerrero, who died after giving birth. He was raised by his grandmother, Florencia Ortiz. He realized his first studies in a school in...
- Natalicio de María TalaveraNatalicio TalaveraNatalicio Talavera is a town in the Guairá department of Paraguay.- Sources :* – World-Gazetteer.com...
- Efraím CardozoEfraím CardozoEfraím Cardozo was a Paraguayan politician and historian.-Childhood and studies:Born in Villarrica, Paraguay, he spent his childhood in a noble and wise home. Son of the maestro guaireño Ramon Indalecio Cardozo and Juana Sosa, inherited from his elders the love for reading and the noble principles...
- Helio VeraHelio VeraHelio Vera was a Paraguayan writer, lawyer and journalist. He was columnist of the ABC Color Journal of Asunción and published many stories and novels in his entire career.- His life :...
- Juan Natalicio GonzálezJuan Natalicio GonzálezJuan Natalicio González Paredes was a Paraguayan poet who served as President of Paraguay from 15 August 1948 to 30 December 1948.- Early life :...
- Alfredo SeiferheldAlfredo SeiferheldAlfredo Seiferheld was a Paraguayan writer and journalist.-Early life and education:Born in Villarrica, Seiferheld was the son of Jewish parents who had fled Europe and settled years before in Villarrica. He began and completed his studies in Asunción.He received his high school diploma in 1967...