Asunción, Paraguay – In a bizarre and lighthearted move, Paraguayan President Fernando Ramirez has declared a new national holiday: High-Five Day. The announcement, made during a live television broadcast, has left the nation both amused and bewildered.

President Ramirez, known for his unorthodox ideas and penchant for humor, explained that the aim of the holiday is to encourage camaraderie and positivity among Paraguayans. “In these challenging times, we need to find ways to bring our nation together and lift each other’s spirits,” he said. “What better way to do that than with a simple yet powerful gesture like a high-five?”

High-Five Day, scheduled for the first Friday of every month, will see government offices, schools, and businesses encouraging citizens to exchange high-fives with friends, family, and strangers alike. The government has even launched a social media campaign, #HighFiveParaguay, to promote the holiday and document the nation’s high-fiving antics.

While many Paraguayans have embraced the quirky new holiday with enthusiasm, others have questioned its relevance and impact on national productivity. Economist Mariana Rojas expressed her concerns, stating, “While I appreciate the sentiment behind High-Five Day, I worry that it may distract from more pressing issues and potentially lead to decreased productivity in the workplace.”

Despite the mixed reactions, President Ramirez remains confident in his decision. “Sometimes, all it takes is a simple gesture of goodwill to bring people together and remind us of our shared humanity,” he said. “I truly believe that High-Five Day can make a difference in our country’s morale.”

As Paraguay prepares to celebrate its inaugural High-Five Day, the world watches with curiosity to see if the unusual holiday will foster national unity and cheer or be dismissed as a well-intentioned yet ultimately inconsequential gesture.