Yaguarón facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yaguarón
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City
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Yaguarón, Paraguay
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 Yaguarón
Location in Paraguay
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| Country |  Paraguay |
| Department | Paraguarí |
| Founded | 1539 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 192 km2 (74 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 61 m (200 ft) |
| Population
(2008)
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| • Total | 27,250 |
| • Density | 142/km2 (370/sq mi) |
| Postal code |
4620
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| Area code(s) | +595 (533) |
Yaguarón is a city in Paraguay. It is located at the base of Yaguarón Hill. The city is about 48 kilometers (30 miles) from Asunción, the capital of Paraguay. Yaguarón started as a special area for the Guaraní Indians, set up by Franciscan missionaries.
The city is famous for its stunning church. Building the church began in 1640 and took 60 years to finish. A priest named Fray Alonso de Buenaventura led this big project.
Yaguarón is also the birthplace of José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia. He was a powerful leader of Paraguay from 1814 to 1840. People called him El Supremo because he was very strict. His old house is now a museum. It is only about 200 meters from the church.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The city was first called Jaguarú. This name comes from Guaraní mythology. It means a huge dog or jaguar that lived in the area long ago.
A Look Back at Yaguarón's History
Yaguarón is located at the foot of a hill with the same name. It began as a Franciscan Mission. This was a place where Franciscan priests lived and worked with the Guaraní people.
Around the year 1600, Fray Alonso de San Buenaventura and his helpers built a very impressive church. This church still stands today. It is one of the most beautiful examples of Franciscan buildings in Paraguay.
The famous Paraguayan leader, José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, was born in Yaguarón in 1766.
Weather in Yaguarón
The average temperature in Yaguarón is about 21 degrees Celsius (70°F). In summer, it can get as hot as 39 degrees Celsius (102°F). In winter, temperatures can drop to 2 degrees Celsius (36°F).
Who Lives in Yaguarón?
According to official information, Yaguarón has about 27,250 people living there. This includes 13,965 men and 13,286 women.
How People Make a Living
The people of Yaguarón work in several ways. Many are involved in agriculture, which means farming. Others make clothes and sports gear.
Getting Around Yaguarón
Yaguarón is 48 kilometers (30 miles) from Asunción, the capital city. You can reach Yaguarón by taking Route No. 1, also known as “Mcal. Francisco Solano López.”
Fun Places to Visit
Yaguarón has interesting places for visitors to explore.
José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia Museum
The Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia Museum is very close to the church. It is just one block away. Inside, you can see many things that belonged to Francia. There are also other objects from the 1800s.
The Legend of Saint Thomas's Cavern
The cavern of Saint Thomas is a place with a special legend. The story says that a priest named Pa’i Sumé lived in this area. He supposedly left marks during his travels. The path to the cavern was very important to the local people. They told stories about a blond man who came long before the Spanish arrived. This man taught them how to grow corn.
The Beautiful Yaguarón Church
The Franciscan missionaries settled in Yaguarón. They built the church's altar with a unique style. You can see carvings made by the native people. These carvings mix Hispanic and Guaraní art styles.
Views from Yaguarón Hill
From the Gamarra Oratory, which is on top of Yaguarón Hill, you can see amazing views. You can look out and see the nearby cities of Pirayú, Itá, Paraguarí, and Carapeguá.
Saint Roque's Celebration
The festival of Saint Roque is held on August 16. It takes place in a chapel built to honor him. People believe this saint protects dogs. During the celebration, people bring special offerings shaped like dogs.
Yaguarón's Musical Heritage
Yaguarón has one of Paraguay's oldest musical traditions. It is called the “Petete Peteke” Para’i Band. This band is from Guayaibity Town. They use original musical instruments that belonged to the native people.
On top of Yaguarón Hill, there is an Oratory. From here, you can enjoy the beautiful landscape. A legend says that the footprints of Saint Thomas are on this hill.
See also
In Spanish: Yaguarón (Paraguay) para niños
