Guaraní school festival highlights language rights debate in Tierra Verde

The sun rose over the courtyard of Escuela Guaraní Jasy, where children in woven skirts gathered around a low wooden stage. Their voices rose in the ancient chant “Yvyrá ra’y” as drums echoed off the whitewashed walls.

Elder teacher Ana María guided the group, switching seamlessly between Guaraní and Spanish to explain the meaning of each verse. Nearby, a banner displayed the festival’s name in both languages, a vivid reminder of the town’s bilingual identity.

The gathering coincided with the Federal Council’s recent proposal to require bilingual signage in all rural municipalities, a measure intended to protect minority languages but criticised by some as costly for small towns. Local officials said the debate would be decided in the next Assembly session.

The festival’s organizers, cooperative members, and language advocates now prepare to present their case to the Assembly, hoping the cultural resonance of the day will influence lawmakers.