First, I learned that my town is only the center of a much larger history of the surrounding district as a whole. Our district has over 30,000 habitants while my town itself has only ~6,000. Within the district, statistics say we have 84 villages, 70 primary schools, 16 high schools, and several universities. The culture of the district is distinctly impacted by these small towns and villages as each in and of itself has a rich history and tradition. This also makes us the largest district within Departmento Caazapa and one of the most influential in the region politically and economically.
Second, the name of my town (which kinda sounds like the name "U2" in Guarani) has two possible origins. Option 1: U meaning "spine" or "needle" and 2 meaning "plant" or "vine." I hadn't realized until I took a small hike through some local forrest with a friend that this place is FULL of little prickly plants. As I understand, I you happen to get pricked and leave the spine in your skin it actually travels up your arm/leg! So I guess if we were to name a place for something, it should be what you need to look out for when your walking around. Yikes! Option 2: U meaning "sacred" and 2 meaning "together." Back before the Spanish conquest of the area, my little town was the community meeting and trading place of various Guarani indigenous tribes. So, when they were to call a meeting they would go to the "sacred together" place. Pretty neat, eh?
Third, my town has a whole lot of pride for it's history and traditions. Books have been published on the town's foundation; poetry and music recited and sung to its rolling green hills and open fields; photos taken in celebration of its train stations, bridges and people. While I am not a native, this month I feel almost as proud to simply be a part of this little town's history and development.
During the final day of our celebrations a local poet returned to Yuty for the procession of the hypothetical ashes of the town's founder around the plaza. In the cathedral, his poem was recited tearfully in tribute to a long history and love of this small Paraguayan town:
Brota en mi mente soñadora,
en un dulce “Mandu`a”,
es a Yuty al que se añora
bañado por la brisa del Yagua Rugua.-
No puedo dejarte en el olvido
recordándote desde Tarutí,
Bolaños te dejó así sentido
hoy al no verte sufro por ti.-
Acuden los recuerdos en tropeles,
de tus calles y barrios de un silencio acogedor,
la juventud pasada cubierta de oropeles
para guardar por siempre envuelta en su calor.-
Tus montes y valles embrujados
desde el Paso Guazú al Gazory rumoroso,
evocan las endechas de un pasado
y vuelcan en presente venturoso.-
Tus ríos, arroyos y nacientes
con tu ubérrimo suelo colorado,
sirven de excelentes nutrientes
para el agro trabajado y cultivado.-
Del itá carú que existe en tu subsuelo,
y del uranio que yace en tus entrañas,
surge en el yuteño el anhelo
de su producción industrial para el mañana.-
La sabia de tus hijos valerosos
nos sirven de norte, noche y día,
ellos, que cruzaron los caminos escabrosos,
nosotros los tenemos como guías.-
Hombres hechos en el sacrificio
curtidos en las luchas y los embates,
llevan en sus genes como oficio
de jamás rehuir por bravíos los combates.-
Cuna de nombres inmortales
los Ayala Velázquez, Brizuela, Caballero López y otros,
con sus memorias trascendentales,
lamentamos que ya no están entre nosotros.-
Tus mujeres de estirpe heroicas
su hermosura por doquier ostentan
son en el sufrimiento estoicas
y en su trato con el amor nos tientan.-
¡Cómo dejarte en el olvido!
recordándote desde Tarutí
Bolaños te dejó así sentido
hoy el no verte lloró por ti.-
Happy Anniversary- from your friendly Peace Corps Volunteer...
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