The Encarnacion Carnival will take place across five Saturday nights: January 16, 23 and 30, and February 6 and 13, 2027.
The Encarnacion Carnival is celebrated in Encarnacion, Paraguay.
The Encarnacion Carnival is a vibrant and lively annual celebration held in Encarnacion, a city in Paraguay. This carnival is a significant cultural event that features elaborate parades, colorful costumes, traditional music, and dance performances. It typically takes place in the weeks leading up to Lent, culminating in a grand celebration before the beginning of the fasting season.
During the Encarnacion Carnival, participants and spectators alike immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, enjoying the lively street processions and the energetic rhythms of music, particularly the traditional Paraguayan dance known as the “carnavalito.” The carnival is a time for communities to come together, showcasing their cultural heritage through artistic expressions and creating a joyous atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
Attending the Encarnacion Carnival promises a vibrant and culturally rich experience. The festivities extend over a span of five days, exclusively occurring on Saturdays.
The heart of the carnival lies in its elaborate parades. Expect to witness dazzling displays of colors, as performers don vibrant costumes, showcasing the cultural diversity and creativity of the region.
A community-driven event, that fosters a sense of togetherness and pride. Locals actively participate in the celebrations, contributing to the overall festive spirit.
Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in the local cuisine. Street vendors and restaurants often offer traditional dishes, allowing you to savor the flavors of Paraguayan food.
The streets come alive with the sounds of traditional Paraguayan music and rhythmic dances. The "carnavalito" dance is often featured, adding an authentic touch to the festivities.
Beyond the organized parades, the streets are filled with parties and celebrations. Expect lively gatherings, street food, and an atmosphere of joy and excitement.
The festivities often conclude with grand fireworks displays and special events. These provide a spectacular end to the carnival and create lasting memories for attendees.
Date: Saturday, January 16, 2027
Location: Centro Cívico Municipal "Mario y Betty Pérez" (Sambódromo), Avenida Costanera, Encarnación
Time: TBA
Opening night of Paraguay's largest carnival, with the seven clubs of the Asociación Club de Clubes presenting their comparsas, carrozas and batucadas for the first round of judging.
Date: Saturday, January 23, 2027
Location: Centro Cívico Municipal "Mario y Betty Pérez" (Sambódromo), Avenida Costanera, Encarnación
Time: TBA
Second round of comparsa and carroza competition, with individual categories including reinas, musas, pasistas and bastoneras judged along the length of the Sambódromo.
Date: Saturday, January 30, 2027
Location: Centro Cívico Municipal "Mario y Betty Pérez" (Sambódromo), Avenida Costanera, Encarnación
Time: TBA
Third parade night, traditionally one of the busiest of the season as the club standings begin to take shape.
Date: Saturday, February 6, 2027
Location: Centro Cívico Municipal "Mario y Betty Pérez" (Sambódromo), Avenida Costanera, Encarnación
Time: TBA
Penultimate night of the competition. In 2026 this round drew over 16,000 spectators, the highest attendance of the edition before the final.
Date: Saturday, February 13, 2027
Location: Centro Cívico Municipal "Mario y Betty Pérez" (Sambódromo), Avenida Costanera, Encarnación
Time: TBA
Closing night, with the final parade of all clubs and a headline closing party. Winners are announced afterwards at a separate awards ceremony held on the Sambódromo esplanade.
Note: Changes to the schedule are beyond our control, so please check for updates before finalizing travel plans.
Encarnación is easy to reach whether you’re coming from elsewhere in Paraguay, across South America, or internationally.
Carnival waits for no one – lock in your fare and hit de road.
The best area to stay for Encarnación Carnival is along the Costanera, the city’s scenic riverfront boulevard — it puts you steps from the Sambadrome, the heart of the parade action, as well as the beach, restaurants, and the full Carnival atmosphere that takes over the waterfront every weekend.
Use the above map to find and book stays near the Carnival parade route!
Getting around Encarnación during Carnival is easiest if you stay near the Sambódromo and main event areas.
Stroll the scenic Costanera de Encarnación for river views and Carnival buzz, or unwind on the sandy Playa San José — the city’s heart of fun and relaxation. Dive into history at the nearby Jesuit Ruins of Trinidad and Jesús (about 30 km / 30 min away), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blends culture with adventure. As the sun sets, the waterfront lights up with music, food stalls, and that signature Paraguayan energy.
We’ve gathered some of our best Carnival travel blogs to help you plan for the Encarnacion Carnival and other festivals worldwide:
