Paraguay

**__Paraguay__**

 Paraguay is located in south- central South America, surrounded by Brazil, Bolivia and Argentina. The area of the land is about 157,048 square miles and about 2% is water. Asuncion is the capital city and the largest city. Paraguay's population is about 6,995,655 people. The official languages are Spanish and Guarani, they are widley spoken throughout the country.

"Paraguay." //Infoplease.com//. 2009. Web. 13 Dec. 2011. [].

**__Paraguay Christmas Customs__ **  Paraguay is one of the few countries that celebrates Christmas in a deeply religious manner. The countries main population is Christian, to them Christmas is very spiritual. They concentrate on the birth of Christ and the teachings. Family time is valued more in this country. One custom is they decorate the Churches with bright colored lights along with large Christmas ornaments. Public buildings are also decorated in multicolored lights and large ornaments. The large lighting of Paraguay is to represent the joy and happiness in celebrating Christmas in this country.

"Winter Travel — International Travel." //Currency Converter Calculator and Foreign Money Exchange Rates//. 2009. Web. 13 Dec. 2011. []. "Paraguay Christmas Traditions, Christmas Traditions in Paraguay." //Christmas Traditions And Celebration All Over The World//. Google, 2011. Web. 13 Dec. 2011. [].



 Another custom celebrated in Paraguay is "La Misa Del Gallo" which means Mass of the Rooster. It is called this because it is said that roosters only crowed at midnight on the day Jesus was born. This happens on the night of December 24th at midnight, when the clock reaches twelve. The churches in Paraguay ring their church bells as people listen and gather together for the mass service. After the mass the real celebration of Christams begins with family and close friends. They then have their feast along with the opening of gifts.

 media type="youtube" key="xooZXxdH4wE" height="315" width="420" align="center" //MALLORCA - Misa Del Gallo - YouTube//. //YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.// Web. 15 Dec. 2011. . "Paraguay Christmas Traditions, Christmas Traditions in Paraguay." //Christmas Traditions And Celebration All Over The World//. 2011. Web. 14 Dec. 2011. [].

Morgan J