Read and Rise Global Explorers 2021 - Paraguay

Today we're jetting across the Atlantic Ocean to another landlocked country divided in two by a long river - Paraguay! Paraguay sits right in the middle of South America and is often referred to as the heart - or corazón - of South America. Because South America lies in the southern hemisphere, the seasons there are reversed from the northern hemisphere. That means it's winter in Paraguay now and Christmas is in the middle of summer! (Here's a good video explaining why we have seasons: Why Are There Seasons?) 

Read: Since we live in the northern hemisphere and it's summer now, I thought "The Paraguay Christmas Book" by Auxi Benitez was perfect. It's hot so we can pretend it's Christmastime in Paraguay! 

What I especially love about this book is that Spanish words are included throughout the text AND Auxi includes a few recipes for typical Christmas treats that have been adapted so they are kid-friendly and easily made wherever you are in the world!

Paraguay Activity Booklet - This printable booklet includes some interesting information about Paraguay as well as 2 recipes, a craft, some Spanish words, and more! You will also find your Paraguayan passport stamp here.

Paraguay Postcard - Here's a printable postcard from Paraguay from author Auxi Benitez! 

Check out this traditional Paraguayan dance, called La Galopa or Galopera! Women dance with glass bottles balanced on their heads! You and your children could try this at home - but I would DEFINITELY recommend using plastic bottles or even simply plastic cups! (We found using full water/sports drink bottles was easier to balance than empty bottles, but be careful because if they fall on hard ground the plastic could crack.)

Polka and Guarania are two popular styles of music in Paraguay. Watch a folk dance performed to polka music and then give this Guarania song a listen, "Imposible" by Juan B. Mora.

The Paraguayan harp is the national instrument of Paraguay and can be heard in this Guarania song.

Finally, learn how to say your colors in Spanish with this fun video! Colors in Spanish

Clericó - a refreshing fruit drink. Recipe can be found in the Paraguay activity booklet and at the end of "The Paraguay Christmas Book."

Chipa Guasú -  a corn and cheese casserole. Recipe can be found in the Paraguay activity booklet and at the end of "The Paraguay Christmas Book."

Recycled instruments - Paraguay is home to the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura. Children play on instruments made from items found in the landfill! You can make your own recycled instruments as well:

I hope you had fun visiting Paraguay with us! There are so many cool things to see and learn about!