Paraguay

Known as the "empty quarter" of the South Pacific, Paraguay is a country that few really know or understand. Distanced from the Latin American mainstream, this country was considered a country with very little to offer. The truth is that Paraguay boasts a number of national parks, a quaint riverside capital, and many wonderful Jesuit missions. The original inhabitants were semi-nomadic Guarani. In fact, historians estimate there were several groups of hunters and gatherers, which were called Guaycuru.

Then in 1524, the first European to cross to Paraguay with the help of aboriginal guides was a man named Alejo Garcia. Just three years later in 1527, Sebastian Cabot took a voyage up the Rio Paraguay but finding no settlements. Then another expedition led by Pedro de Mendoza settled in Asuncion having been forced to leave Buenos Aires. Soon, the colony began to grow and thrive, soon becoming a major Spanish settlement that sparked the intrigue of others interested in socialization.

The population of Native Indians grew, slowly absorbing the Spaniards. With this, the Guarani culture was also adopted to include the customs, languages, and food. As colonies were established, Jesuit missionaries came to help civilize the Indians, achieved with amazing skill. The Indians were encouraged to leave the land, settling instead in Reducciones, which were theocratic communes.

Once there, the Indians helped build churches, learned to paint, sculpt, and became excellent masons. For some, education was a part of the change. However, when the missionaires were forced out in 1767, the settlements began to fade away. Then by 1811, the country of Paraguay declared its independence, something Spain did not fight. For the people of Paraguay, this moment was one filled with pride and honor, something they had wanted for a long time.

However, just a few years later while under control of Jose Gaspar Rodriquez de Francia, known to many as "El Supremo", the country's borders were closed, which encouraged self-sufficiency. This action by Francia meant land and churches were confiscated, and merchants were brought under Francia's control. Dying in 1840, Francia's remains would be scattered into the river. His successor, Carlos Antonio Lopez ended to the country's isolation, taking time and effort to modernize what Francia had tried so hard to destroy.

Unfortunately, while the country was freed, his son was set on destroying the country with the start of the War of the Triple Alliance against Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. When the was ended, more than 58,000 square miles of the land and about 25% of the population were lost, which included the son that had started the war in the first place. Although horrific, Paraguay has fought hard to rebuild. Through various wars and leadership changes, we see a country today being stronger from an economical aspect.

Today, Paraguay offers a lot. For one thing, the country is very interested in visual arts, seen in both theater and galleries. However, the music is actually of European origin, although it has slight touches of Argentinean, Brazilian, and Black. Two of the most popular instruments include the guitar, and interestingly, the harp. Dance is also an important part of the culture to include the bottle and polka dance.

For the food of Paraguay, we see a wide range of sub-tropical and tropical dishes. For starters, Manioc flour is something seen in just about every meal. Some local favorites include Sooyo Sopy, a thick soup made from ground meat, which is then served over noodles or rice, Locro, maize stew, or Mazamorra, corn mush. However, the desserts are delicious and simple, such as Mbaipy, which is truly delicious and made from corn, milk, and molasses.