Paraguayans celebrate their independence over two days, on May 14 and May 15, with the main official public holiday recognized on May 15.

Quick Scoop

  • Actual celebration dates: May 14–15 every year.
  • Official public holiday: May 15 is listed as the formal Independence Day/National Day in many calendars and holiday registers.
  • Historical twist:
    • Night of May 14, 1811 – local patriots launched the revolution and effectively secured de facto independence.
* May 15, 1811 – independence was formally declared and the new state was born.

How people mark it

  • Two‑day national festivities (May 14–15) with family gatherings, outdoor events, music, and traditional food.
  • Government and official programs especially highlight May 15 as the central national holiday.

Why there’s confusion (May 14 vs May 15)

  • Some sources and Q&A materials simplify the question to “When do Paraguayans actually celebrate their independence?” and give May 14 as the answer, focusing on the start of the revolution.
  • Official holiday calendars, embassies, and international listings usually mark May 15 as “Independence Day” or “National Day,” even while acknowledging celebrations run from the 14th.

So in practice:

  • Everyday usage in Paraguay: “Independence Days” in the plural, May 14 and 15.
  • If you have to pick one official date for a quiz or a formal calendar: May 15.

TL;DR: Paraguayans celebrate independence on both May 14 and 15, but May 15 is the formally recognized Independence Day/National Day in most official listings.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.