Pilar (Paraguay)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Pilar | |||
| Pilar | |||
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| Coordinates: | |||
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| Department | Paraguarí | ||
| Founded | October 12th, 1779 | ||
| Area | |||
| - Total | 1,130 km² (436.3 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 44 m (144 ft) | ||
| Population | |||
| - Total | 29,327 | ||
| - Density | 82/km² (212.4/sq mi) | ||
| Area code(s) | 86 | ||
Pilar is the capital of the Ñeembucú department, located 358 km from Asunción (capital of the country), in the banks of the Paraguay River and the Ñeenbucú Stream. It is a very important urban center in the country.
It is a quiet city, its development is due to the tenacity of its inhabitants that had to endure for many years and defeat the isolation, because it never had paved routes to communicate with the rest of the country.
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[edit] Toponimy
Founded by Pedro Melo de Portugal on October 12th, 1779 with the name of “Villa del Ñeembucú”, four years later it was renamed as “Villa del Pilar”. Owes its name to the Spanish priest Marcial Antonio Uliambre, who came from Zaragoza, where they venerate the “Virgin del Pilar”.
[edit] Climate
In this region there are many swamps, streams and rivers that contribute to a fresh and humid climate. The average temperature is 22º Celsius, in the summer it can reach 37 to 40º C, and it winter drops to 5 or even 2º C. The rainy months are January, March, April and October; the dryer are May and August.
[edit] Demography
Pilar has 29.327 habitants in total, 14.298 men and 15.030 women, according to information provided by the Statistics, Polls and Census General Direction.
[edit] Geography
The hydrography of the area offers spectacular landscapes in the surroundings of Pilar, with great opportunity for fishing and activities of recreation.
[edit] History
According to the residents of the city, in the old building Town Council, the Marshall Francisco Solano López, when he still was Colonel, said a famous phrase: “The holly emblem of my country will never fall from my hands”.
[edit] Tourism
In the center of the city are important historic places, such as:
- Marshall López Square and Heroes’ Square
- The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar, Patron Saint, which day is celebrated on October 12th
- The Town Council Museum, a building constructed in 1817, during the government of President Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia. It is very well preserved, with a great balcony where the Colonel López spoke famous words. This is the only building of this nature that is still preserved in the country. In the museum can be founded: photographs, trophies and medalls that belonged to the Marshall López, as well as pieces of columns from the old church, weapons, bullets, ammunitions, chains, lances, shields and other artifacts.
- The house of Juanita Pesoa, Marshall López love of youth and mother of his three children. This Colonial house, with ample walls and characteristics of the 19th century, is situated in the Alberzoni Street.
The restaurants and hotels offer in their menus a variety of delicious food prepared with fish, like the surubí, corvina, pacú and dorado.
There is a great nocturnal activity; there are bars, pubs and restaurants that open all night.
The Pilaerense, América and Capitan Bado Clubs organized the traditional parties in New Year.
In Holy Week people organize fishing competition.
Important anniversaries
- May 1st: Festivity of San José Obrero
- May 14th: Civil parade in commemoration of the Paraguayan Independence
- October 12th: Festivity of the Virgin del Pilar
[edit] Economy
Pilar is an industrial and commercial center. The most important textile company of Paraguay, “Manufactura de Pilar”, uses most part of the cotton production in the country. The Italian Paolo Federico Alberzoni thought this location would be strategic and so he founded his factory in here.
[edit] How to get to Pilar
Pilar is located 358 km. from Asunción; the access is through routes “Mcal. Francisco Solano López” (number one) and “Gral. José Eduvigis Díaz” (number 4).
From Pilar, just before getting to the center of the city, there is a crossroad that takes, going right to Tacuaras, and going left, to Guazú Cuá.
[edit] References
- Geografía Ilustrada del Paraguay, Distribuidora Arami SRL; 2007. ISBN 99925-68-04-6
- Geografía del Paraguay, Primera Edición 1999, Editorial Hispana Paraguay SRL.
