Arete guazú occurs in February each year to celebrate the corn harvest season.
In the past, arete guazú was only celebrated if there had been a good harvest; however, since the Guarani people have mostly lost their farmland and urbanized, it is held during carnival.
[1] It begins with a Yerure ceremony at the foot of a tree that symbolizes Pachamama, to whom participants offer basil, drinks, cigarettes and chicha in gratitude.
The festival ends after three days of dancing, drum playing and games for the whole community, young and old.
[1] Notable places that celebrate arete guazú include: Argentina Bolivia Paraguay