AGP Executive Report

Indigenous Heritage: Paraguay met a UN deadline to submit updated information on the Chaco Biosphere Reserve, where farming and cattle ranching threaten forests and the Ayoreo, including a community living in voluntary isolation. UNESCO is monitoring the reserve. Creative Opportunities: Applications are open until Oct. 18 for Paraguayan artists and fashion designers to take part in MICSUR, a regional creative-industry gathering in Asunción on Nov. 19–22. Young Talent: Paraguayan teens Ana Paula García, 16, and Martín Callizo, 14, performed at New York’s Kids Rock For Kids festival, representing the country on an international stage. Arts Abroad: Paraguayan filmmaker Juanjo Pereira’s next documentary, Examination, was selected for IDFA’s 2026 industry forum. Asunción Events: Calle Palma marked Taiwan’s Double Ten Day with a special fair, while recent cultural highlights included German Week, the World Harp Festival and a Latin American folklore gathering featuring artists from 13 countries. Food & Tradition: Paraguay will host the 2028 Ancestral Barbecue World Championship, and Empanada Day put the country’s food heritage in the spotlight.

Creative Industries: MICSUR Paraguay 2026 is inviting local artists and fashion designers to apply for showcases at its November 19–22 market in Asunción. Applications close October 18. Live Music: Paraguayan teens Ana Paula García, 16, and Martín Callizo, 14, took their music to New York’s Kids Rock For Kids festival, performing alongside young artists from other countries. Concert Watch: Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour still has dates in Paraguay, but no opening acts have been announced for its South American shows. City Culture: Asunción’s Calle Palma hosts a Taiwanese-themed Palma Fair on October 10, with food, cultural activities and scholarship information from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Paraguayan Film: Director Juanjo Pereira’s documentary project Examination, a follow-up to Under the Flags, the Sun, is among 47 projects selected for IDFA’s industry forum. Coming Up: Asunción’s World Harp Festival returns for its 19th edition, while Paraguay has been named host of the 2028 Ancestral Barbecue World Championship.

Creative Industries: Paraguayan artists, performers and fashion designers can apply by October 18 to showcase their work at MICSUR Paraguay, bringing regional creative professionals to Asunción from November 19–22. Young Musicians: Paraguayan teens Ana Paula García, 16, and Martín Callizo, 14, represented the country at New York’s Kids Rock For Kids festival, performing alongside young musicians from other countries. Culture on Calle Palma: Asunción’s Palma Fair celebrates Taiwan’s Double Ten Day today with food, cultural activities and more than 30 stalls. Paraguayan Film: Director Juanjo Pereira’s project Examination is among 47 documentaries selected for IDFA’s industry forum in Amsterdam. National Heritage: Paraguay’s new guaraní banknotes feature figures and themes from the country’s history, including educators Celsa and Adela Speratti.

Asunción Events: Calle Palma turns Taiwanese on Oct. 10, with more than 30 food stalls, cultural activities and scholarship information at a special Double Ten Day fair. The World Harp Festival also returns to the Teatro Municipal Ignacio A. Pane from Oct. 9–11, with free performances celebrating Paraguay’s signature instrument. Creative Paraguay: Director Juanjo Pereira’s documentary Examination is among 47 projects selected for IDFA Forum in Amsterdam, putting Paraguayan filmmaking on an international stage. Heritage & Identity: Paraguay’s new guaraní banknotes will roll out gradually, featuring figures and stories tied to the country’s history and cultural identity. Asunción will also host the 2028 Ancestral Barbecue World Championship, welcoming about 80 teams and judges.

Music & Heritage: Asunción’s free 19th World Harp Festival runs October 9–11 at the Teatro Municipal, bringing Paraguayan and international musicians together around the country’s signature instrument. Culture Around Town: German Week continues in Asunción and San Lorenzo through October 14, with public events spanning literature, art, education and Oktoberfest. National Identity: Paraguay’s redesigned guaraní banknotes honor the country’s history, Indigenous peoples and biodiversity; the notes are due to enter circulation gradually from early 2027. Food Traditions: Asunción will host the 2028 Ancestral Barbecue World Championship, welcoming about 80 teams and judges for a celebration of traditional open-fire cooking. Arts & Nature: Recent cultural highlights include the Words and Sound Festival, a Latin American folklore gathering featuring artists from 13 countries, and a new look at how Paraguay is preserving its audiovisual history. For an outdoor escape, Ñacunday National Park offers waterfalls reaching 40 metres.

Sport & Lifestyle: Paraguay’s triathlon scene is growing, with runners’ clubs and public training spots helping more people work toward endurance events. Encarnación hosts Ironman 70.3 on 11 October. Music: Asunción’s free World Harp Festival returns 9–11 October at the Teatro Municipal, bringing Paraguayan and international performers together around the country’s signature instrument. Food Heritage: Paraguay will host the 2028 Ancestral Barbecue World Championship for the first time. The event celebrates traditional open-fire cooking and is expected to draw about 80 teams. Culture & Community: German Week continues in Asunción and San Lorenzo through 14 October, with literature, art, education, food and Oktoberfest events, many free to attend. National Identity: The Central Bank has unveiled redesigned guaraní banknotes featuring Paraguayan history, culture and biodiversity; the notes are due to enter circulation gradually in early 2027, while current bills remain valid.

Sports Tourism: Encarnación is set to host Ironman 70.3 Paraguay on 11 October, with athletes racing a course that spotlights the Paraná River, Route 1 cycling loops, and Encarnación’s Costanera run—another sign triathlon culture is booming in Paraguay. Music & Heritage: The World Harp Festival returns to Asunción for its 19th edition (9–11 October) at Teatro Municipal Ignacio A. Pane, putting the Paraguayan harp front and center with Paraguayan and international performers. Culture & Food: Paraguay has been chosen to host the 2028 Ancestral Barbecue World Championship, bringing about 80 teams and 1,000+ foreign visitors to Asunción with a focus on traditional open-fire methods. German Week: German Week 2026 is underway in Asunción and San Lorenzo until 14 October, mixing free public events with German food, literature, and Oktoberfest-style culture. Money & Identity: Paraguay unveiled redesigned guaraní banknotes (all six denominations) with new themes and updated security features, rolling out gradually in 2027. Community & Safety: PCW is pushing for a rapid referral pathway to curb violence against women in politics, as threats against female leaders continue to rise.

World Cup Fallout: FIFA reportedly knew DR Congo fielded an ineligible player vs Nigeria, but still let the team play—renewing questions about how the complaint was handled after Nigeria missed out on a World Cup spot. German Week in Paraguay: German Week 2026 is underway in Asunción and San Lorenzo with free public events on culture, education, and Oktoberfest vibes through Oct. 14. Paraguay’s New Guaraní Banknotes: The Banco Central unveiled a redesigned family of guaraní banknotes (no zero changes), rolling out gradually in 2027 with themes tied to Paraguay’s history, culture, and biodiversity. Culture & Community: Words And Sound Festival 2026 drew crowds at Asunción’s Port Cultural Centre, mixing literature, vinyl, crafts, and live music despite a storm. Folklore Across Borders: Paraguay hosts the 7th Latin American Folklore Gathering (Oct. 6–11) with performances across San Lorenzo, Asunción, and Fernando de la Mora. Catholic Heritage Visit: Saint Michael’s Sword arrives from Italy for an official visit starting Oct. 8, with major celebrations at the Metropolitan Cathedral and stops including Caacupé and Villarrica. Sports Tourism: Ironman 70.3 returns to Encarnación on Oct. 11, spotlighting Itapúa’s landscapes for athletes and fans.

University District in Asunción: Universidad Central del Paraguay is pitching a US$200M “University District” in the historic centre, aiming to bring 5,000 foreign students and help repopulate the area ahead of Asunción’s 500th anniversary. Festival Culture: Words & Sound Festival 2026 filled Asunción’s Port Cultural Centre with writers, musicians, workshops and fairs, pushing through a stormy ending. Nature & Heritage: Into the Wild returns with Ñacunday National Park, spotlighting its 40-metre Salto Ñacunday waterfall and the Atlantic Forest fragment it protects. Folklore Across Borders: Paraguay hosts the 7th Latin American Folklore Gathering (Oct 6–11) with artists from 13 countries and free public performances in San Lorenzo, Asunción and Fernando de la Mora. Catholic Spotlight: Saint Michael’s Sword arrives from Italy for a first-ever official visit, with major events in Asunción and stops including Caacupé and Villarrica. Food Culture & Business: Empanada Day (Oct 4) celebrates heritage and official recognition for regional recipes, while delivery and producers turn the snack into a big industry. Sports & Tourism: Encarnación readies Ironman 70.3 on Oct 11, bringing an international endurance crowd to the Paraná waterfront and local routes. Gender Debate in the Region: A Latin America-wide push to counter gender-violence laws is raising fresh fears for women’s rights.

USMNT Spotlight: Julian Hall, 18, scored in the U.S.’s 3-0 win over Mexico and now joins Pelé as the only other teen to net in each of his first three senior caps—an instant Paraguay-friendly reminder that football’s next stars are already here. Nature & Heritage: Ñacunday National Park is showcased in “Into The Wild #2,” spotlighting its 40-metre Salto Ñacunday waterfall and the Atlantic Forest fragment that shelters wildlife. Education & City Life: Asunción’s Historic Centre could get a University District with about US$200M in investment and 5,000 foreign students—aimed at bringing more people back downtown. Arts & Community: Words And Sound Festival 2026 drew crowds at Asunción’s Port Cultural Centre, mixing literature, vinyl, talks, and Paraguayan crafts even after a stormy ending. Culture Calendar: Paraguay will host the 7th Latin American Folklore Gathering (Oct 6–11) with free public performances across San Lorenzo, Asunción, and Fernando de la Mora. Food Tradition: Empanada Day (Oct 4) celebrates regional heritage and official recognition for two recipes, with the snack now a major business. Sports Tourism: Encarnación gears up for Ironman 70.3 on Oct 11, bringing international endurance racing to the Paraná River and city waterfront. Social Impact: Banco de Alimentos Paraguay’s National Food Drive targets 40 tonnes of donations on Oct 3, with 1,000+ volunteers across collection points.

Words & Sound Festival 2026: Asunción’s Port Cultural Centre hosted the second edition of Words And Sound, mixing literature, music, workshops, and book/vinyl fairs—then pushing through a stormy ending with Argentine author Agustina Bazterrica drawing a packed crowd. Women’s Rights Debate: A regional push to “counter gender violence” laws is raising fresh fears for women’s rights across Latin America, as lawmakers consider tougher rules around alleged false reports. Paraguay Culture Calendar: The 7th Latin American Folklore Gathering runs 6–11 October across San Lorenzo, Asunción, and Fernando de la Mora, with free public performances and artists from 13 countries. Catholic Heritage Visit: Saint Michael’s Sword will travel from Italy to Paraguay for the first time, arriving 8 October and culminating in a 9 October Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral. Food & Tradition: Empanada Day (4 October) celebrates national heritage with official recognition for regional recipes and a booming business behind the street snack. Sports & City Buzz: Paraguay will host the World Skate Games (2–18 October) in Asunción and Luque with 8,000+ competitors from 91 countries.

World Skate Games: Paraguay is gearing up to host the 5th World Skate Games under ASU26, with 8,000+ competitors from 91 countries set to compete in Asunción and Luque from 2–18 October. Latin American Folklore: The 7th Latin American Folklore Gathering runs 6–11 October across San Lorenzo, Asunción and Fernando de la Mora, featuring artists from 13 countries and free public performances. Catholic Heritage Visit: Saint Michael’s Sword will travel from Italy to Paraguay for the first time, arriving 8 October and culminating in a 9 October Mass at Asunción’s Metropolitan Cathedral, then continuing to Caacupé, Villarrica and San Lorenzo. Empanada Day: Paraguay marks 4 October with Empanada Day—an everyday tradition that’s also become big business, with official heritage status for regional recipes and tereré pairing culture. Food Drive: Banco de Alimentos Paraguay’s National Food Drive aims to collect 40 tonnes of non-perishables on 3 October with 1,000+ volunteers. Culture & Inclusion: TEDIC’s “Where Are the Women? All Male Panel” exhibition opens at Centro Cultural de España, spotlighting the long-running absence of women experts in public decision-making. Paraguay’s Film Memory: Paraguay’s Cinematheque Foundation has conserved two rare Chaco War audiovisual records, protecting fragile 1932 and 1983 works for future digitisation.

Paraguay Hosts World Skate Games: Over 8,000 competitors from 91 countries are set to descend on Asunción and Luque for the 5th World Skate Games (2–18 Oct), with skateboarding and other disciplines drawing big names and fresh talent. Preserving Paraguay’s Film Memory: The Paraguayan Cinematheque Foundation restored rare Chaco War audiovisual records, including a 1932 documentary and a 1983 TV documentary, protecting fragile originals for future digitisation. Gender & Public Power in Culture: TEDIC’s “¿Dónde están las mujeres? All Male Panel” opens at Centro Cultural de España, using 1,500+ photos to spotlight how women are missing from expert panels and decision-making spaces. Spain’s Aires de España Returns: The Spanish Embassy launches the 5th edition of Aires de España across October, with free cultural, gastronomic, and development cooperation events in Asunción and Itapúa. Food Security Drive: Banco de Alimentos Paraguay’s National Food Drive targets 40 tonnes of non-perishable donations on 3 Oct, backed by 1,000+ volunteers nationwide. Climate Shock in the Headlines: Paraguay’s weekend heatwave shattered a 74-year temperature record, with Mariscal Estigarribia reaching 43.8°C. Global Connections: A Latinobarómetro survey says favorability toward China is rising across Latin America, including Paraguay, while US favorability declines.

Diplomacy & Culture: Trinidad and Tobago will open its first Middle East embassy in the UAE, with a UAE grant also earmarked for critical equipment for Couva Children’s Hospital—another sign of how international ties are reshaping regional public life. Global Views: A Latinobarómetro survey for The Economist says favorability toward China is rising across Latin America, including Paraguay, while views of the US keep slipping. Paraguay Heritage: Paraguay is saving fragile audiovisual records of the Chaco War, restoring a 1932 documentary and a 1983 TV documentary to protect national memory. Gender & Media Literacy: TEDIC’s “Where Are the Women? All Male Panel” opens at Centro Cultural de España in Asunción, using 1,500+ photos to spotlight who gets treated as an “expert.” Community & Food Security: Banco de Alimentos Paraguay’s National Food Drive targets 40 tonnes of non-perishables with 1,000+ volunteers on Oct 3. Sports & Youth: Paraguay hosts the World Skate Games (8,000+ athletes, 91 countries) in Asunción and Luque from Oct 2–18. Nature & Identity: Bat Day coverage highlights Paraguay’s bat conservation push, led by researcher Gloria González de Weston, using Guaraní “mbopi” to build local pride.

Audiovisual Heritage Rescue: Paraguay’s Cinematheque Foundation restored two rare Chaco War recordings, including a 1932 nitrate documentary, with support from the National Audiovisual Institute—saving fragile images and testimonies for future digitisation. Spain x Paraguay Culture: The Embassy of Spain launched the 5th edition of Aires de España across October, with free cultural, gastronomic and development events in Asunción and beyond, plus a Miró-themed exhibition in Cambyretá. Gender & Power in Public Life: TEDIC’s ¿Dónde están las mujeres? all-male panel exhibition opens at Centro Cultural de España, using 1,500+ photos to spotlight how women are excluded from expert visibility and decision-making. Food Security Drive: Banco de Alimentos Paraguay’s National Food Drive returns Saturday, aiming to collect 40 tonnes with 1,000+ volunteers at 70+ collection points nationwide. World-Class Sport in Asunción: Paraguay hosts the World Skate Games ASU26 (Oct 2–18), bringing 8,000+ competitors from 91 countries to Asunción and Luque. Local Climate Moment: Paraguay recorded a historic 74-year temperature record in the Chaco, with Mariscal Estigarribia reaching 43.8°C. Nature & Identity: Bat Day coverage highlights Paraguay’s bat conservation push, led by local researchers using Guaraní identity to build public support. Music in Asunción: Swiss violinist Rachel Kolly returns after 12 years for a free OSCA concert at Teatro Municipal on Oct 1.

Community Action: Banco de Alimentos Paraguay kicks off its 2026 National Food Drive on Saturday, Oct. 3, aiming to collect 40 tonnes of non-perishable food with 1,000+ volunteers across Asunción, Greater Asunción and major interior cities under the slogan “Tu SÍ multiplica.” Culture & Arts: Words & Sound 2026 returns to the Port of Asunción on Oct. 3 with free entry, blending literature, music, workshops and a book fair—featuring Argentine writer Agustina Bazterrica. Music in Paraguay: Swiss violinist Rachel Kolly performs with OSCA on Oct. 1 at Teatro Municipal de Asunción (free), marking her first visit in 12 years. Environment & Identity: Paraguay’s Bat Day spotlight highlights “mbopi” (bat) and the push to rebuild bat conservation through local outreach and science networks. Climate Watch: Paraguay’s weekend heatwave shattered a 74-year temperature record, with Mariscal Estigarribia reaching 43.8°C. Travel Rules: Japan’s ePassport entry list now includes Paraguay (since June 1, 2025), easing short-stay travel for eligible citizens. Education & Youth: Paraguay’s sustainable public procurement push gains measurable tracking via structured sustainability clauses in e-procurement.