Paraguay’s Permanent Delegate to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Nancy Ovelar de Gorostiaga, reported that the Para’i poncho technique has been officially declared a candidate for Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Ambassador explained that the proposal was an initiative of the Paraguayan Institute of Crafts and the National Secretariat of Culture; It was presented during a meeting with the Director of the Convention for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Tim Curtis.
Composed of a cultural tradition that forms the national identity of Paraguay, the technique is used by families to create this handmade folklore garment in the South American nation.
The dress’s name is given in honor of the 60 soldiers who were killed during the national war against the Triple Alliance in the Paraguayan city of Piribebuy to be buried in a common grave wearing black and white ponchos.
“This textile work of great beauty and creative complexity also emphasizes the importance of the role of Paraguayan women as a fundamental pillar in preserving the components of the culture, historically responsible for its oral and practical transmission to succeeding generations. ‘ Ambassador Ovelar specified.
In 2021, the international organization declared Tereré and Pohã ñaña, an ancient Guarani drink in Paraguay, as part of Humanity’s Cultural Heritage; Promotion of cultural diversity at international level.