In this guide
Entertainment in Coronel Oviedo revolves around its festivals and cultural life: the Virgen del Rosario feast in early October, the Gran Festival de Ajos, Ovetense FC matches and concerts by the Filarmónica Ovetense. Between dates, the plan is D Shopping on the highway, a stroll through the central plazas or a farm day just outside town.
Festivals worth planning around in Coronel Oviedo
Virgen del Rosario feast and city anniversary. The patron saint is the Virgen del Rosario, celebrated in early October with mass on the cathedral square and a procession through the main streets. In 2023 the municipality declared a local holiday so people could take part (Última Hora (opens in a new tab)). Tip: get to the square early, it fills up.
Gran Festival de Ajos (Garlic Festival). The city's original name was Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Ajos (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)), and the festival runs every year with traditional music and folk ballet (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)); in 2026 it is still one of the city's main draws (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)). The 2016 edition took place in late September at the Estadio Municipal El Cerrito, with tickets from G. 50,000 and free entry for children up to 10 (Última Hora (opens in a new tab)). Dates and prices change every year, so follow the municipality's social media from August.
Where to watch football, rally and other events
- Ovetense FC, the city's most popular club, plays home games at Estadio Ovetenses Unidos (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). A weekend match is the city's most popular plan.
- El Cerrito, the municipal stadium, and the Cristo Rey youth centre were restored by the municipality and host sports events (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
- Rally, futsal and basketball: the rally returned to Oviedo after 18 years, and the city is betting on indoor football championships and basketball tournaments to draw visitors (Infonegocios, 2024 (opens in a new tab); Infonegocios, 2026 (opens in a new tab)).
Cultural plans
Filarmónica Ovetense and Espacio Cultural GOBAU. The Asociación Filarmónica Ovetense runs a conservatory and an orchestra of about 40 musicians based at the Espacio Cultural GOBAU, and takes part in the Sonidos de la Tierra programme (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Watch its concert schedule, especially around the October and year-end festivities.
Casa de la Cultura de Coronel Oviedo. Among other things it displays old licence plates from vehicles registered in the city. Oviedo has four museums (three historical and one on Indigenous culture), and the Sociedad Cultural has run the national short-film contest since 2005 (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
Central plazas. The municipality restored Plaza de los Héroes, Plaza José Segundo Decoud and Plaza de la Libertad (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). At sunset they are the place for tereré and people-watching.
What to do at night or when it rains
D Shopping Coronel Oviedo. The city's first mall, at km 132 on the highway, with a large car park (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)); it turned 10 in November 2024 (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)). It is the easy option for a bite and an indoor wander when the heat bites: summer highs can reach 42 °C (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
If you go out for drinks, let someone else drive: the Patrulla Caminera has zero tolerance for alcohol and runs breathalyser checks on the highways (Última Hora (opens in a new tab)).
A countryside day nearby
- Granja Ecoturística Yvambopí: in Potrero Ubaldina, about 25 km from the centre. Mini zoo, sports courts, fishing, canoe rides and goat-milk products; according to a 2016 article it opened Tuesday to Sunday with entry at G. 10,000 (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
- Granja Alte Liebe: in Aguapety, on Ruta PY08. Pools, barbecue shelters, football and volleyball pitches, and cabins from G. 300,000 a day in 2021 (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
Call ahead: the farm details come from articles that are several years old.
Getting there
Coronel Oviedo is 132 km from Asunción on Ruta PY02, at the junction with the PY08, which runs north to Santaní and south to Guairá, Caazapá and Itapúa (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). That is why many travellers spend the night here and carry on the next day (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)).
FAQ
What can I do in Coronel Oviedo at the weekend?
Catch Ovetense FC at Estadio Ovetenses Unidos, stroll Plaza de los Héroes and the centre, eat at D Shopping or spend the day at a farm such as Yvambopí.
When is Coronel Oviedo's patron saint festival?
The Virgen del Rosario feast is in early October, with mass on the cathedral square and a procession through the main streets.
Where is the Garlic Festival held?
The 2016 edition took place at the Estadio Municipal El Cerrito in late September. Check the municipality's social media for each year's date.
How far is Coronel Oviedo from Asunción?
132 km along Ruta PY02, at the junction with the PY08.
