Santiago, Paraguay
Santiago is a city in Paraguay, located in the Misiones Department. It is one of the most important Jesuit missions in Paraguay. Toponymy. When it was originally named, Santiago was called San Ignacio de Caaguzú. It was re-founded in the Misiones department, Paraguay, in 1669 with the name of Santiago Apóstol. History. Santiago is an old Jesuit mission and still today preserves many characteristics of the colonial time, like its great main square, the "house of the Indians" and a museum that preserves objects of art from colonial times. During colonial times Santiago was a very important  city because of its population, of about 3,000 inhabitants. It is important to mention that during the holidays it was organized the Opera of Santiago. Geography. It is located 278 kilometers from Asunción, the capital Paraguay. It is located on a hill, between Ayolas and San Patricio. Climate. In summer, the temperature reaches 39 °C, in winter drops to 0 °C. The annual average is 21 °C. Population. Santiago has a population of 7,702 inhabitants, 4,017 men and 3,685 women, according to the General Direction of Polls, Statistics and Census. Economy. The people of Santiago mostly grow  cattle. They also cherish the local agriculture and plant crops like corn, sugar cane, cotton and soy. Municipality. The current governor is Ignacio Larre (Liberal Party). Tourism. Santiago has a museum of sacred art, the "Museo Jesuítico de Santiago" (Jesuit Museum of Santiago). The church preserves many images carved in wood by the natives. The "House of the Indians" is also a museum that exhibits images of saints. The church has a unique altarpiece in the Missions, many of the pictures in the church center around biblical themes. The museum in Santiago has 3 spaces where there is the Passion  and Death of Jesus Christ and La Piedad"," which is one of the most noted sculptures in the museum. There are also many paintings in exhibition. The Benedictine monastery "Tupasy María" is a place of meditation, it was founded in 1984. The inhabitants of this city preserve the old traditions and in January they celebrate the "Fiesta de la Tradicion Misionera" (Missioner Traditional Festivity), when artists and horse breakers from Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, show their abilities in breaking-in and horseracing. In this event traditional Paraguayan food is always present, some of the dishes include "Batiburrillo", the sopa  and chipa Guazu with barbecues and the traditional Mandioca. This festivity usually attracts many tourists. It is actually being on his XXXVIII edition, this tradition is almost always celebrated on January 20, 21 and 22. Many International artist have participated such as Francisco Ruso and Michel Telo in the edition of 2014. It is organized by the "Club de Leones" of Santiago Misiones, It is the biggest Traditional festivity in Paraguay in what respect of countryside festival. The State "Tacuaty" is place for the Festival of Breaking-in and Folklore, located on the road to Ayolas, 270 kilometers south from  Asunción. The Tambo Curupay is an inn where people can stay in their visit to the city, practice sports and take strolls in the country.