The Paraguayan community in Germany celebrated the 215th anniversary of National Independence in Berlin

On 13 May, the Embassy of the Republic of Paraguay in the Federal Republic of Germany celebrated the 215th anniversary of National Independence with an official reception that brought together nearly 120 fellow Paraguayans and special guests at the hall of the Taipei Representative Office in Berlin, generously made available for the occasion by His Excellency Dr Klement Ruey-sheng Gu, Representative of that Office.

The event was presided over by Ambassador Fernando Acosta Díaz, who in his remarks highlighted the historic significance of the events of 14 and 15 May 1811, recalling that Paraguay achieved its independence without bloodshed, as an expression of the conviction of a people who knew how to be free. The Ambassador also spoke about the strength of the bilateral relationship between Paraguay and Germany, noting that Germany holds a strategic place for Paraguay in Europe, and acknowledging Germany's active role in the conclusion of the Association Agreement between MERCOSUR and the European Union, provisionally in force since 1 May 2026.

In this regard, Ambassador Acosta Díaz underscored the concrete opportunities the agreement represents for Paraguay, with the elimination of 92% of tariffs on MERCOSUR exports to a market of more than 400 million people, in a favourable context marked by 6% economic growth in 2025. He also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Embassy to promote business meetings with European investors and to advance bilateral agreements that benefit Paraguayan nationals residing in Germany. In closing, the Ambassador paid an emotional tribute to Paraguayan mothers, whose historic recognition, he said, goes far beyond a mere protocolary gesture.

At the close of the event, Dr Klement Gu delivered remarks reaffirming the friendship and cooperation between Paraguay and the Republic of China (Taiwan), highlighting both nations' commitment to strengthening their bilateral ties.

The evening featured an outstanding cultural programme, with performances by musicians German Barbudez and Alberto Sánchez, and dancers Marcelo Rojas and Analía Vega. The event also included the premiere of the choreography Un Sueño en la Floresta ("A Dream in the Forest"), a work by Paraguayan choreographer Julio Miranda, based in Leipzig. Attendees also enjoyed a variety of traditional Paraguayan dishes and took part in a raffle of products donated by the businesses Latino Point, Mate Tee Delicatino, Tekoha Matekaffee, La Bodega and Marel Alfajores, whose generosity was recognised by the organisers.

The celebration took place in a spirit of camaraderie and national pride, reaffirming the Embassy's role as a gathering place and point of reference for the Paraguayan community in Germany.