Recognition of the historic victory of the Paraguayan national football team over Germany in Paraguay

Why the holiday was declared

Paraguay’s national team, known as the Albirroja, drew 1–1 with Germany and secured qualification in a penalty shootout. President Santiago Peña declared a national holiday by Decree No. 6280, describing the victory as a source of national unity, pride and identity.[1]

The presidential announcement connected the win with the phrase “Vencer o Morir” and the idea of “garra guaraní.” It presented the holiday as a chance for families to gather and celebrate a shared sporting achievement.[1]

A special national holiday

This is a special, one-time holiday tied to the victory, not a recurring annual date. Paraguay’s national-holiday law allows the Executive to set up to three additional national holidays by decree each year; such days have the same effects as the holidays listed in the law.[2]

The law lists certain recurring holidays as movable, while the remaining listed holidays stay on their calendar dates. This special holiday was set separately by decree.[2]

Work and public services

Paraguay’s Ministry of Labour says national holidays are mandatory rest days for workers. When the nature of a business requires employees to work, employers must notify them and pay a 100% premium on the ordinary hourly wage for hours worked; other applicable labour rights remain in force.[3]

The decree said essential public services, emergency medical care, dialysis, foreign trade and tax collection would continue. It also required scheduled consultations and surgeries to be rearranged within seven days.[1] Check opening hours with banks, shops or public transport providers before you go.

How people mark the day

The presidential announcement describes the day as an opportunity for families to meet and celebrate, and says the match united Paraguayans under one flag.[1]