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National Heroes Day

National Heroes Day 2024, 2025 and 2026

Paraguay celebrates National Heroes’ Day – also sometimes called “National Defence Day” – to commemorate the bravery of Francisco Lopez and others who fought and died in defence of their country during the War of the Triple Alliance.

YearDateDayHoliday
20241 MarFriNational Heroes Day
20251 MarSatNational Heroes Day
20261 MarSunNational Heroes Day
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

Actually, some see Heroes Day as specifically dedicated to the memory of Lopez, who led Paraguayan forces in the war and died rather than surrender. With his last dying breath, he uttered the words, “I am dying with my country!” Others see it as dedicated to all those who bravely fought and died for their country during the same war.

The history of Paraguay was a long one of wars, boundary disputes, and a fight for survival since its declaration of independence from Spain in 1811. But in the end, Paraguay prevailed against overwhelming odds. Even though more than half the population is thought to have perished when Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay assaulted Paraguay during the War of the Triple Alliance, she still survived.

Previous Years

YearDateDayHoliday
20231 MarWedNational Heroes Day
20221 MarTueNational Heroes Day
20211 MarMonNational Heroes Day
20201 MarSunNational Heroes Day
20191 MarFriNational Heroes Day
201826 FebMonNational Heroes Day Holiday
201727 FebMonNational Heroes Day Holiday