Children’s Day is observed in Paraguay on August 16 to honor the memory of the children who died in the Battle of Acosta Ñu during the Paraguayan War. This battle, which took place on August 16, 1869, involved Paraguayan forces, including about 3,500 children, fighting against 20,000 Brazilian and Argentinian soldiers. The holiday commemorates the tragic loss of approximately 2,000 Paraguayan children who were killed and 1,200 who were taken prisoner and executed. While the day is marked with mourning ceremonies, it also includes entertaining activities for children, reflecting a blend of remembrance and celebration. The observance serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the war and aims to honor the resilience of the nation’s youth.
