The enormous fair’s full name says it all: “Expoferia Internacional de Ganaderia, Industria, Agricultura, Comercio, y Servicios. ” That would be the “International Cattle Farming, Industry, Agriculture, Commerce and Services Fair.” The name just about covers it – you can see anything and everything at La Expo. The first Expo took place in 1975 and was held sporadically until 1988, after which point it has been held yearly. Over the course of two weeks in July, droves of people descend upon the La Rural fairgrounds to see local and international companies showcase their wares and services and partake in several Expo related activities. There is something for everyone: animal showcases, food and games, business lectures, a Miss Expo Pageant, horseback riding competitions and, this being Paraguay, there is even an official celebration of mass.
Holiday in San Lorenzo Photo Gallery
La Rural is located at kilometer 14 of the Trans Chaco highway in Mariano Roque Alonzo, about twenty minutes by car and forty minutes by bus from the center of Asuncion. Buses running down Avenida Artigas are your best bet, and any passing by La Rural should have an “EXPO” sign on display. For a calendar of events and more information about La Expo check out the official website: www.expo.org.py.
Camping Supplies
Department stores Unicentro and Nueva Americana have decent camping sections with an emphasis on fishing and hunting. Both stores have a better selection in their main branches downtown than in their residential branches.
Unicentro Tel: 021 445 309/10, Palma and 15 de Agosto and Shopping del Sol, www.unicentro.com.py, Mon-Fri 8:30am-7pm, Sat 8:30am-1pm, Sun 11am-9pm (Shopping del Sol only)
Nueva Americana Tel: 021 492 021, Corner of Mariscal. Estigarribia and Independencia Nacional and Shopping Mariscal Lopez, www.nuevaamericana.com.py, Mon-Fri 9am-7pm,
Sat-Sun 8:30am-3pm (extended hours at Shopping Mariscal Lopez)
Camping 44 Camping and hunting supplies. Tel: 021 297 240/1, Avenida Artigas 2061, www. camping44. com.py
Electronics
It is not necessary to take a trip to Ciudad del Este in order to take advantage of Paraguay’s cheap electronics. In fact, unless you plan to buy several expensive items, it makes more sense to stay in Asuncion.
Galena Central Clean and well lit, Galena Central is a good place for cell phones, laptops and digital cameras. The crowd is a mix of Paraguayans and foreigners. Often times, vendors will give you a discount if you don’t require an official receipt. Galena Estrella (directly behind Galena Central on Estrella) is another good option. Palma, between 15 de Agosto and Juan O’leary
