That Time I Went to a Lady Gaga Concert in Paraguay

For most Paraguayans, all they know about the United States comes from what they see on the television, in movies or from songs on the radio. I have had numerous people ask me about the Simpsons and they are incredibly shocked when I tell them that I don’t watch it. I’ve also been questioned on many occasions about how many famous people I know. They are again shocked when I tell them zero.

Somehow when talking about the United States the conversation turns more often than not to Lady Gaga.

When I arrived in Paraguay as a Peace Corps volunteer and the conversation turned to Lady Gaga, I was often told by many Paraguayans that she was going to have a concert here. Due to the fact that many big name groups and performers, including Aerosmith and the Black Eyed Peas, had recently been adding Asuncion, Paraguay to their list of South American tour locations, I became excited.

There were hair bows, leopard jumpsuits, men wearing see-through shirts and pasties, body paint, sparkles and glitter galore.

Now, I wouldn’t call myself a “Little Monster,” the moniker given to die-hard Lady Gaga fans, but I appreciate jams like “Born This Way,” “Bad Romance” and “You and I” just as much as the next person and the idea of going to one of her concerts abroad seemed like a fun adventure.

But, months and months passed and no concrete plans were formed. All of this talk of Lady Gaga coming to Paraguay just seemed like a nasty rumor, until the day I got a call from another Peace Corps friend that it was confirmed, Mother Monster was coming to Paraguay. At this point I should let you all know that I may have understated my appreciation for Lady Gaga. I think she is rather awesome…in her own weird way.

Concerts abroad are a thrilling experience. I felt so connected to the Paraguayans in attendance because we were all there for the same reason.

Tickets were immediately purchased and, when the day of the concert arrived, Peace Corps volunteers from all over the country came flocking. When attending a Lady Gaga concert crazy hair and wild outfits are necessary and we did not disappoint. There were hair bows, leopard jumpsuits, men wearing see-through shirts and pasties, body paint, sparkles and glitter galore. That night, even the locals let their inner little monster shine through.

The concert was a blur of dancing, singing at the top of our lungs and general craziness. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a spectacle. It was a place where people not only accepted their weird and freaky nature, but they were also proud of it and showed it off to the world. No matter what your opinion of Lady Gaga, whether you like her or not, you can’t deny she is good at what she does. She wears her eccentricity like a badge of honor and encourages others to do the same and to not be afraid of who they are.

Concerts abroad are a thrilling experience. I felt so connected to the Paraguayans in attendance because we were all there for the same reason. Even though Lady Gaga doesn’t speak Spanish, everyone sang along knowing every single word. “After all everyone speaks the language of music and love,” declared Lady Gaga herself.

 

Photos by Pixabay and Kelley M.