Much of Paraguay is Catholic, and when asked, many Paraguayans say they are religious. Typically, in the U.S., when someone says they are religious Christians, I envision that as praying and going to church every Sunday. Here in Paraguay, oftentimes people practice Catholicism slightly differently. Many people who identify as Catholic do not go to church every week, or even on Christmas. Here in Paraguay they practice religion mostly through prayers surrounding a loved one's death and holidays based on saints. The biggest religious celebration, or even just the biggest celebration of the year, is for the Saint Patron of Paraguay, Virgen de Caacupé.
While Virgen de Caacupé is a saint and the name of a religious holiday, there are many traditions surrounding this day. Paraguay has a population of about 7 million people. Each year about one million people take part in a pilgrimage to the basilica of Caacupé, in the city of Caacupé. People take buses to the capital city and walk from there, drive in cars or on motorcycles, and some even walk days across the country to arrive. Many families gather in their homes, reciting prayers in front of their Santos de Virgen de Caacupé (statues and shrines), and sharing large meals.
