Altos combines a vibrant craft tradition with cultural offerings. Members of the Asociación de Artesanas display their work at Plaza de Romerías; the Centro Cultural Espacio Expresión offers another way to engage through cultural education activities. These are two distinct ways to experience culture: at the market, visitors can view craftwork, while at the cultural center they can take part in educational activities. This distinction is useful when planning a visit, as you can focus either on the works on display or on a specific course or cultural program.
Local History and Cultural Connections
Altos is also called San Lorenzo de la Cordillera de los Altos and is located about 60 km from Asunción. The town was founded in 1538 on the site of the Indigenous settlement “Yvytyrapy.” Altos is also the birthplace of the artist Luis Alberto del Paraná. These connections complement the town’s present-day craft and cultural offerings with its founding history and a biographical link.
Market and Crafts
The market at Plaza de Romerías takes place every second Saturday. Members of the Asociación de Artesanas display woodcarvings, openwork pieces, textiles, crochet work, encaje ju, and ñandutí.
The work encompasses more than a single technique: woodcarvings and openwork pieces sit alongside textile crafts. If you are looking for a particular focus, you can compare materials and techniques during your visit.
In Altos, colorful carvings featuring animal figures, masks, and mythological beings are made from Timbo wood. The material and motifs give visitors concrete points of interest: the carvings can be viewed in terms of the wood used and the figures depicted, rather than being considered only as a general craft tradition. The carving practice began in connection with the festivities of San Pedro and San Pablo. This historical connection adds the origins of the practice to the perspective on materials and motifs.
Cultural Offerings at the Centro Cultural Espacio Expresión
The Centro Cultural Espacio Expresión is a free, open space for the community and visitors who want to learn, experience art, and discover the region’s cultural and educational initiatives. Visitors can take part in courses, workshops, seminars, and educational activities. These are intended for children, young people, professionals, and socially disadvantaged groups. For travelers interested in a learning or cultural activity, the Centro offers a different way to engage than viewing the crafts on display.
Plan around two different considerations: the market takes place every second Saturday, while you should check the current program for courses or workshops at the Centro. Confirm the market day locally if the market is a key reason for your trip. This helps you plan your visit around a specific cultural interest.
Discover more destinations: San Bernardino, Caacupé, Piribebuy, Nueva Colombia District, Tobati, Arroyos Y Esteros, Atyra, Caraguatay
For the broader travel overview: Cordillera.
