The Virgin of Caacupé Day is one of the most popular and prominent religious holidays in Paraguay. Celebrated every year on December 8th, this day is dedicated to the country's patron saint, the Virgin of Caacupé, also known as the 'Blue Virgin.' The holiday encompasses a wide range of activities, including processions, concerts, and masses, as people in Paraguay express their devotion and reaffirm their faith.
The celebrations mainly take place in the city of Caacupé, where the Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles is located. People travel from all over the country, and even from abroad, to participate in the religious processions and pay their respects to the Virgin of Caacupé. The focus of the celebrations is a mass held at the basilica, which is usually attended by the president and other high-profile figures.
The origins of the holiday trace back to the 16th century, when, according to popular legend, a Guaraní man named José, who was being chased by a wild bull, prayed to the Virgin Mary for protection and was spared. In gratitude, José carved an image of the Virgin Mary onto a tree trunk—the image that ultimately became the Virgin of Caacupé. Ever since, the Virgin of Caacupé Day has been a day of celebration and prayer for the miracles associated with the Virgin.