Kamba Cua is a unique Afro-Paraguayan community located near Asunción, the capital of Paraguay. The community traces its roots to African soldiers and their families who are believed to have accompanied General José Gervasio Artigas, a revolutionary leader from Uruguay, into exile in Paraguay in the early 19th century.
These African-descended settlers were granted land by the Paraguayan government, and over time, they established a distinct cultural identity in the region now known as Kamba Cua.
The name “Kamba Cua” is derived from a combination of African and Guaraní terms. “Kamba” is often used in South America to refer to people of African descent, while “Cua” or “Kua” means “place” in Guaraní, the indigenous language of Paraguay. Together, the name roughly translates to “Place of the Blacks.”
Today, the Kamba Cua community is known for its vibrant preservation of African cultural traditions, particularly through music and dance. They are especially noted for their powerful drumming and traditional performances during festivals, such as the celebration of Saint Baltazar, an African saint, held each January.
Despite their rich history and contributions to Paraguayan culture, the Kamba Cua community has faced social and economic marginalization over the years. They have had to fight for recognition, land rights, and inclusion in national narratives.
Nonetheless, they remain a proud and resilient community, keeping alive a legacy of African heritage in South America that is both distinct and deeply rooted in their history.
