Carlota Palmerola - Kuña Paraguay

Abstract

The Paraguay’s official history is full of military heroes. Their names are engraved in the country streets, avenues, places, schools, sport clubs, commerce, hospitals, districts, villages and cities. The war exploits touched very deeply the national identity, that for the collective imaginary “hero” is the synonymous of a soldier with a self-loading rifle on his shoulder, a military cap and a tricolor flag in his hand. If this history doesn’t left much place for civilian heroes, no less for heroines, women that knew how to purify virtues in their daily home, orphanages, schools, hospitals, ranches and other activities. It’s Carlota Ayala’s case (1853- 1951), known as Carlota Palmerola, Manorã (Recoleta) quarter neighbor, that by 14 years old felt like going on pilgrimage as “resident” during the Guerra Grande (1865 -1870). Her life was an example of work, generosity, austerity and value during adversity times.