Guarani

The Guarani are an indigenous people of South America and the name also refers to the language they speak, which is part of the Tupian language family. They traditionally inhabit the eastern regions of Paraguay and nearby areas of Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia, with distinct subgroups spread across these countries.

Guarani is one of the region’s most widely spoken indigenous languages. In Paraguay, it is an official language alongside Spanish and is used in daily life, education, media, and government. The language has several dialects, including Paraguayan Guarani, Mbya Guarani, and Ñandeva (also known as Avá Guarani), each with regional variations.

Guarani communities are often organized in aldeas (villages) led by local authorities such as caciques. Traditional subsistence includes agriculture—maize, manioc, beans, and other crops—along with hunting, fishing, and gathering. Craftwork such as weaving and pottery, as well as music and dance, are important cultural expressions. Many Guarani maintain religious traditions that blend indigenous beliefs with Catholic influences, though practices vary by community.

Historically, the Guarani were central to the period of Jesuit Reductions in the 17th and 18th centuries, where communities were organized around missions. The expulsion of the Jesuits disrupted these systems, and later national and regional dynamics affected Guarani land rights and livelihoods. Today, Guarani identity is a meaningful element of national culture in Paraguay, where the language and cultural practices continue to play a significant role in public life and everyday communication across communities.