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Caacupé
City and district
Basilica of Caacupé, Paraguay
Basilica of Caacupé, Paraguay
Flag of Caacupé
Flag
Coat of arms of Caacupé
Coat of arms
Caacupé is located in Paraguay
Caacupé
Caacupé
Location in Paraguay
Country  Paraguay
Department Cordillera
Area
 • Total 145 km2 (56 sq mi)
Population
 (2019)
 • Total 56,864
 • Density 392.2/km2 (1,016/sq mi)
Time zone UTC-04 (AST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-03 (ADT)
Postal code
3000
Area code(s) +595 (511)

Caacupé (pronounced "ka-ah-koo-PAY") is a special city and district in Paraguay. Its name comes from the Guarani words Ka'akupe, which means "Behind the Mount." It is the capital city of the Cordillera region.

Caacupé was officially founded in 1770 by a man named Carlos Murphy. He was a soldier working for King Charles III of Spain. However, people had already started living in this area since the 1600s.

This city is very important for many people in Paraguay. It is home to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Caacupé. Caacupé is most famous for being the home of the Virgin of Caacupé [es], who is considered the patron saint of Paraguay. The beautiful Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles, Caacupé stands right in the middle of the city.

What is Caacupé Like?

Caacupé is a city and district located in the country of Paraguay. It serves as the main city for the Cordillera Department. The city covers an area of about 145 square kilometers. In 2019, its population was around 56,864 people.

Location in Paraguay

Caacupé is found in the central part of Paraguay. It is known for its rolling hills and green landscapes. The city's location makes it a key spot for travelers and pilgrims.

History of Caacupé

The story of Caacupé began long ago. Even before it was officially founded, people lived in this area.

Founding of the City

In 1770, Carlos Murphy helped establish Caacupé as a proper town. He was a grenadier, which is a type of soldier, serving the King of Spain at that time. This founding helped the settlement grow into the city it is today.

The Virgin of Caacupé and the Big Festival

Caacupé is famous for its religious importance. It is a major center for Catholic faith in Paraguay.

Our Lady of the Miracles

The city is home to a special statue called "Our Lady of the Miracles." This statue is also known as the Virgin of Caacupé. It was carved a very long time ago, in the 1500s, by a person who had recently become Christian. People believe this statue was saved from a big flood in a miraculous way. Many miracles are believed to have happened because of it.

The Annual Festival

Every year, on December 8th, a huge religious festival takes place in Caacupé. Thousands of people, called pilgrims, travel from all over Paraguay and even other countries to celebrate. They come to honor the Virgin of Caacupé. This makes the city very busy and lively during this time.

The Basilica

The main church in Caacupé is the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles. It is a very large and impressive building. This basilica is the center of the December 8th festival. It is where many people gather to pray and celebrate.

Things to Do in Caacupé

When it's not the time of the big festival, Caacupé is a calm and peaceful town. It offers a quiet escape for visitors.

Local Attractions

The city has a park where families can enjoy themselves. It often has fun amusements for children. Caacupé is a good place to experience the local culture and quiet life of Paraguay.

Gallery

External Links

  • Official website: https://web.archive.org/web/20091101180154/http://www.caacupe.com.py/
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