1. The Garland Handbook Of Latin American Music
Part Three: Nations and Musical Traditions, South America, Paraguay

2. Cultural Heritage and National Identity
Primarily indigenous and European
Indigenous influence pervades contemporary Paraguayan musical traditions and mestizo culture
Evident in language, musical instruments, textual content
European influence also includes instruments, contexts, and certain genres (secular and religious)
As seen throughout Americas
African influence minimal
Due to historical circumstances (geo-economic)

3. Musical Contexts and Genres
Patronal Festivals
Socio-religious events
Blur distinction between sacred and secular
Incorporate both secular and religious traditions and rituals
Characteristic of folk Catholicism as developed throughout Latin America
Often elaborate and involved
Integrate music and dance as central aspects of celebration
Provide context for celebration and strengthening of communal bonds
Other religious contexts
Holy week (pasioneros, or estacioneros)
Protestant church music (hymns and coritos)

4. Musical Genres and Contexts
Secular Traditions
Express distinct character of Paraguayan national identity
Linked with Guaraní heritage
Evident in language, textual content,
i.e., the guaranía
Often situated in context of life-cycle events
The Quinceañera
Wakes (Velorios)

5. Mestizo Culture and Musical Traditions
Paraguayan National Identity
The unique blending of Paraguay’s Indigenous and European cultural heritage lends its’ mestizo community and national identity a distinct character clearly expressed in its’ mestizo musical traditions
Consider the following:
In what way is Paraguay’s mestizo community similar and/or different from other mestizo (or creole) communities discussed thus far?
Consider language, instruments, contexts and genres, formal aspects of music and dance, uses of music, and its relation to mestizo identity