CAACUP

city, central Paraguay. The name Caacup originated from the Guaran word caaguycup, meaning the other side of the mountain. Founded in 1770, the city nestles in a valley of the Cordillera (mountains) de los Altos. Although oranges, tobacco, and sugarcane grown in the hinterland are processed in the city, Caacup is best known as a resort and pilgrimage centre. On December 8, Brazilians and Argentines as well as Paraguayans celebrate the festival of the Blue Virgin of the Miracles, whose shrine stands on Caacup's central plaza. The National Agronomic Institute, created in 1943, operates a large experimental farm in Caacup to research crops. The city also manufactures tiles. Caacup can be reached by paved highway from Asuncin. Pop. (1992 prelim.) 12,368.