National Heroes' Day is observed in Paraguay every March 1. This holiday commemorates the end of the Paraguayan War, which began in 1864 and concluded with Paraguay's defeat on March 1, 1870. The day honors Francisco Solano López, the Paraguayan leader who died during the war, as well as other individuals who defended the nation. The war resulted in significant losses for Paraguay, including almost half of its land, a large portion of its population, and its industrial capacity, leading to its status as the poorest country in Latin America. Celebrations typically include festive eating of national delicacies and music, reflecting the importance of this day in Paraguayan culture.