AGP Executive Report

Japanese Royal Visit: Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko met President Santiago Peña and visited a Paraguayan school teaching Japanese language and culture, including tea ceremony and origami moments—marking 90 years since Japanese immigration. Culture & Heritage: Paraguay’s National Secretariat of Culture declared the Apostolic Vicariate of Pilcomayo complex a National Cultural Heritage Asset, protecting its 1956 Chaco religious and architectural ensemble. Language Revival: The SPL launched “Rohayhu Che Ne’e” (“I love my Language”) to boost Guaraní in public life, with activities running 24–28 August. Music Scene: Asunción’s National Symphony Orchestra marks its 22nd anniversary with a free concert featuring Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5 premiere. Community Education: Fundación ALDA expands its teacher-and-community education model, working with hundreds of schools and aiming to reach far more nationwide by year-end. Sports Spotlight: Paraguayan badminton player Leo Lee won the Ibero-American Badminton Championship men’s singles in Bolivia.

Guaraní in Public Life: Paraguay’s Linguistic Policies Secretariat kicks off the “Rohayhu Che Ne’e” campaign (Aug. 24–28) to push Guaraní into everyday government and public spaces, starting with the slogan “I love my Language.” Cultural Heritage Protection: The National Secretariat of Culture declared the Apostolic Vicariate of Pilcomayo a National Cultural Heritage Asset, safeguarding the St. Michael the Archangel Church complex and related historic buildings in the Chaco. Music & Community: Paraguay’s National Symphony Orchestra marks its 22nd anniversary with a free concert in Asunción featuring the Paraguayan premiere of Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5, with the Russian Embassy partnering on the program. Diplomacy & Diaspora: Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko arrived in Paraguay for a state visit marking 90 years of Japanese immigration, with meetings planned with Nikkei communities and visits to historic settlements. Education Impact: Fundación ALDA says its education model is expanding across Paraguay—supporting teacher training and school-community links—aiming to reach more than 650 schools by end of 2026. Sports Spotlight: Paraguayan badminton player Leo Lee won the men’s singles at the Ibero-American Badminton Championship in Bolivia, delivering the country’s first Ibero-level medal in the discipline.

Japanese Cultural Diplomacy: Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko arrived in Paraguay for a 90th-anniversary visit tied to the Japanese diaspora, with meetings planned with President Santiago Peña, Japanese settlers in La Colmena, and a stop to watch nanduti embroidery. Heritage Protection: Paraguay’s National Secretariat of Culture declared the Apostolic Vicariate of Pilcomayo complex a National Cultural Heritage Asset, safeguarding the St. Michael the Archangel Church, episcopal house, and former Mennonite workshops in the Chaco. European Cinema for Asunción: The EU’s 17th European Cinema Cycle runs Aug. 19–Sept. 4 with 10 free films across multiple venues, all subtitled in Spanish. Sports & Pride: Leo Lee won Paraguay’s first Ibero-American badminton medal in men’s singles at Sucre, Bolivia. Culture Spotlight: Cinemalaya’s psychological horror “Mag-iina” swept top honors in the Philippines, while the Broadway Theater announced a 2026–2027 season mixing classical, ballet, country, rock, pop, family shows, and film-music tributes. Local Sports Watch: Paraguay’s Adolfo Vallejo is set to face Cincinnati Open top seed Alexander Zverev in the last 16.

Japan-Paraguay Cultural Diplomacy: Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko arrived in Asunción for an official visit marking the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration, with plans for ceremonies, meetings with President Santiago Peña, and visits to Japanese settlement sites and descendants. Free European Cinema in Asunción: The EU and member states launch the 17th European Cinema Cycle (Aug. 19–Sept. 4), bringing 10 free films across Europe to three Asunción venues with Spanish subtitles. Heritage Protection in the Chaco: Paraguay’s National Secretariat of Culture declared the Apostolic Vicariate of Pilcomayo complex a National Cultural Heritage Asset, protecting key church and settlement buildings in Boquerón. Sports Milestone for Paraguay: Badminton’s Leo Lee won Paraguay’s first Ibero-American medal in men’s singles at the Ibero-American Badminton Championship in Sucre, Bolivia. Paraguay in International Youth Sports: Paraguay’s Adolfo Vallejo is set to face top seed Alexander Zverev next at the Cincinnati Open, keeping local talent in the spotlight. Culture & Community Spotlight: Asunción’s “People of Asunción” introduces Marcelino Hudalla, a German resident learning Spanish and diving into local culture through conversations and community life.

Japan–Paraguay Cultural Diplomacy: Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko have departed for Paraguay to mark the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration, with a nine-day visit that includes ceremonies in Asunción, meetings with President Santiago Peña, and stops at key settlement sites like La Colmena and Yguazu—highlighting how the diaspora helped shape Paraguay’s society and agriculture. Paraguay Sports & Youth Spotlight: Argentina beat Brazil 2-1 after extra time to win the South American U-17 Futsal title in Asunción, underscoring Paraguay’s role as a regional youth sports hub. Defense & Aviation Watch: Paraguay is evaluating Taiwan’s retired F-5E/F Tiger II fighters and AIDC AT-3 trainers to restore supersonic air defense capability, weighing costs and the need for major radar and logistics upgrades. Local Culture & Community: Asunción’s cultural scene continues to grow through international connections, with a new “People of Asunción” profile spotlighting Marcelino Hudalla from Germany and the city’s English networking gatherings. Global Arts Buzz: Cinemalaya 2026 in the Philippines crowned “Mag-iina” as Best Film, with Best Actress shared by Ruby Ruiz and Pokwang—proof that regional indie cinema is still setting the bar high.

Cinemalaya 2026: The 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival crowned the psychological horror “Mag-iina” as Best Film, with Giancarlo Abrahan also taking Best Director and Guelan Varela Luarca winning Best Screenplay; the Best Actress award was a tie between Ruby Ruiz and Pokwang (Marietta Subong). Paraguay–Japan ties: Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko departed for Asunción on an official visit marking the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Paraguay, with ceremonies and meetings planned through Aug. 26. Aviation & defense: Paraguay is evaluating Taiwan’s retired F-5E/F Tiger II fighters and AT-3 trainers to restore supersonic air defense, weighing upgrades and high operating costs against its current A-29 Super Tucano investments. Culture in Asunción: Five historic port murals from 1957 are being restored at the Cultural Centre of the Port of Asunción under the “Asunción 500 Años” initiative. Youth snapshot: Paraguay’s Day of the Child data shows 1.8 million children and adolescents (0–17) make up 30% of the population, with strong ID registration and school attendance but gaps in health and internet access. Sports spotlight: Paraguay is listed among the 16 teams for the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Bordeaux 2026, while endurance fans saw Ulala Backyard Ultra Paraguay won by Argentine Leonardo Álvarez.

Cultural Spotlight: Cinemalaya 22’s big night in the Philippines crowned “Mag-iina” as Best Film, while Ruby Ruiz and Pokwang (Marietta Subong) shared Best Actress—an awards season win that puts women’s stories and independent cinema front and center. Indigenous Rights: Indigenous women in South Kivu, DRC, say they’ve broken their silence after training to document mining-related abuses and land-rights violations—turning advocacy into action. Paraguay Heritage: Asunción’s Port Cultural Centre is restoring five historic murals from 1957, part of the “Asunción 500 Años” push to bring back cultural landmarks. Youth & Society: Paraguay marks Children’s Day with new INE data showing kids and teens (0–17) are 30% of the population, with strong school attendance but gaps in health and internet access. Local Culture: La Recova vendors are temporarily relocated during restoration at Asunción Port, keeping artisan commerce alive while the heritage work continues. Sports & Community: The Ulala Backyard Ultra Paraguay in San Bernardino crowned Argentine endurance runner Leonardo Álvarez after 27 grueling laps.

Paraguay in the spotlight (football): Ipswich are set to confirm the permanent signing of Paraguay forward Julio Enciso from Strasbourg in a deal worth over €30m, with add-ons and a future sell-on clause—plus Strasbourg’s Abdoul Ouattara moving the other way. Asunción heritage care: Five historic murals at the Cultural Centre of the Port of Asunción (created in 1957) are being restored under the “Asunción 500 Años” initiative, with cleaning, repairs, color reintegration and protective layers. Children’s Day & youth life: Paraguay marks Children’s Day with new INE figures showing 1.8 million children and adolescents (0–17), 30% of the population, plus high school attendance rates and gaps in health and internet access. Birds of Paraguay: A new series spotlights the Ñandú (greater rhea), Paraguay’s grassland giant and a standout “father of the year” species. Local endurance culture: The Ulala Backyard Ultra Paraguay crowned Argentine Leonardo Álvarez after 27 laps (181 km) in San Bernardino. Port market update: La Recova vendors are temporarily relocated to the Asunción Port Cultural Centre during restoration works, keeping artisan commerce running while heritage is protected.

Asunción Culture & Heritage: La Recova vendors are temporarily relocating to the ground floor of the Asunción Port Cultural Centre while restoration continues, keeping artisan commerce alive during the Tekorenda Programme. Children’s Day Traditions: Paraguay’s 16 August Children’s Day spotlights classic playground games like Tikichuela and Tuka’ẽ Guapý, showing how play carries Guaraní roots. Italian Music in Paraguay: Free events in Asunción (20–21 August) bring Italian language-teaching training and a “Made in Italy” concert with Paraguayan and international artists. Asunción 489th Anniversary Festivities: The city’s 15 August celebrations include parades, fairs, and family activities, plus the free rock festival El Barullo at the Port with homegrown bands. National Chipa Day: Paraguay marks 14 August with chipa as a national identity symbol, backed by 2014 legislation setting the annual date. Sports Spotlight: Brighton secured Paraguay midfielder Diego Gomez on a new five-year deal, rewarding his breakout impact since joining from Inter Miami.

Asunción Culture & Heritage: La Recova vendors are temporarily moving to the ground floor of the Asunción Port Cultural Centre while restoration continues, keeping artisan commerce alive from Monday to Saturday. Children’s Day (16 Aug): Paraguay celebrates with traditional playground games like Tikichuela and Tuka’ẽ Guapý—simple, passed-down play with Guaraní names and local twists. Italian Spotlight in Asunción: Free “Made in Italy” events (20–21 Aug) bring Italian-language teaching for teachers and a concert turning Asunción into an Italian soundtrack. City Anniversary Buzz: Asunción’s 489th birthday week keeps rolling with free historic-centre activities and the El Barullo Rock Festival at the Port of Asunción. Sports & Local Pride: Paraguay midfielder Diego Gómez signs a new five-year deal with Brighton, cementing a long-term link between the national team and the Premier League. International Sports in Paraguay: Bermuda’s squash team arrives for the Pan American Senior Squash Championships in Asunción, a key qualifier for Lima 2027. Food Culture: National Chipa Day returns as a civic celebration of Paraguay’s iconic cassava bread—more than a snack, a national identity ritual.

Asunción Anniversary Buzz: Asunción turns 489 on 15 August with parades, free tours, kids’ activities on Palma Street, and the ASUFEST 489 concert at the Costanera, plus a full day of citywide celebrations. National Chipa Day: Paraguay marks National Chipa Day on Friday, 14 August—rooted in 2014 legislation—spotlighting chipa as national identity, with guides on how to make the iconic chipa mestizo. Local Music Scene: El Barullo Rock Festival returns to the Port of Asunción on 15 August with five Paraguayan bands, artisan stalls, and street food—homegrown rock for the capital’s birthday. British Week Paraguay: British Week Paraguay runs 15–23 August, with talks, film, music, food demos, and community events across Asunción and beyond. Sports & Pride: Paraguay international Diego Gómez signs a new five-year deal with Brighton, keeping the midfielder tied to the Premier League long-term. Culture & Heritage: A feature explores Asunción’s hidden buildings and forgotten architectural stories, tracing how the city’s modernisation and post-war rebuilding shaped what’s still behind old facades. Food Heritage Abroad: Norma McCready shares how her grandmother’s chipa tradition travels with her life in New York, turning a family recipe into cultural connection.

Asunción Anniversary Buzz: Asunción turns 489 on 15 August, and the historic centre is packed with free events—parades, guided tours, a big children’s programme on Palma Street, and the ASUFEST 489 concert at the Costanera. National Chipa Day: Paraguay also marks National Chipa Day on Friday, 14 August—rooted in 2014 legislation that made chipa the national food and set the annual celebration date. Local Rock Scene: El Barullo returns to the Port of Asunción for the city’s anniversary, with five Paraguayan bands, plus artisan stalls and street food. Culture & Heritage Spotlight: A guide to Asunción’s “hidden” architecture highlights how modernization, post–Triple Alliance rebuilding, and European influences shaped the capital’s overlooked buildings. British Week Paraguay: British Week 2026 runs 15–23 August, with talks, film, music, food demos, and community events organized by the British Embassy. Sports in Paraguay: Bermuda brings six squash players to Asunción for Pan Am Games qualification at the Senior Championships. Football Talent Watch: Paraguay midfielder Diego Gómez has signed a new five-year deal with Brighton, keeping the 23-year-old tied to the Premier League long-term.

Paraguay in the spotlight (sports): Brighton has locked in Paraguayan midfielder Diego Gomez with a new five-year deal (plus an option), rewarding his rise since joining from Inter Miami and highlighting his impact for both club and country. Paraguay culture (food identity): National Chipa Day is Friday, Aug. 14, with the tradition backed by Law No. 5.267/2014—chipa as a national symbol, not just a snack—plus practical guides on how Paraguayans make chipa mestizo. Asunción celebrations: The capital kicks off its 489th anniversary with parades, artisan fairs, concerts, and family events across the historic centre, leading into the big Aug. 15 festivities. Community & heritage (diaspora): A story on how chipa tradition travels—Norma McCready shares her grandmother’s chipa roots and how she keeps the culture alive in New York. Indigenous knowledge: A new Paraguayan guide preserves centuries of Mbya Guaraní know-how on wild plants, keeping local wisdom in circulation. Climate & daily life: Paraguay braces for El Niño, with stronger storms and higher flood risk expected to build through spring and summer 2027. Weekend plans (endurance): San Bernardino hosts Ulala Backyard Ultra Paraguay on Aug. 15–16, a tough loop-based race drawing runners from across the region and serving as a qualifier for Paraguay’s national team.

National Chipa Day & Asunción 489th Anniversary: Paraguay marks Friday, Aug. 14 with National Chipa Day—rooted in Law No. 5,267/2014—and a citywide push of culture and family events for Asunción’s 489th birthday, including parades, artisan fairs, children’s activities on Palma Street, and the ASUFEST 489 concert at Costanera. Food Heritage Stories: A spotlight on how chipa travels with people—like Norma McCready carrying her grandmother’s chipa tradition to the U.S.—and a guide to chipa mestizo and other beloved varieties keep the national snack front and center. Sports & Talent: Paraguay midfielder Diego Gómez signs a new five-year deal with Brighton, cementing his rise after a standout season and World Cup run. Outdoor Culture & Community: San Bernardino hosts the Ulala Backyard Ultra Paraguay (Aug. 15–16), a brutal endurance event that also serves as a qualifier for Paraguay’s national team. Weather Watch: Paraguay braces for El Niño, with stronger storms and higher flood risk through next summer. Film Spotlight (Regional): Cinemalaya’s 22nd edition highlights “Reel Reflections,” with independent films tackling identity and real-life pressures.

Asunción Anniversary: Asunción kicks off its 489th birthday celebrations with concerts, exhibitions, religious events, and artisan fairs across the historic centre, including a blessing/inauguration at Costanera Norte. National Chipa Day Prep: Want to get ready for National Chipa Day? A guide breaks down how to make Paraguay’s beloved chipa mestizo. El Niño Watch: Paraguay is bracing for El Niño this August, with stronger storms and higher flood risk through next summer, and the government already starting preventive works like clearing waterways and running flood simulations. Sports & Community: San Bernardino hosts the Ulala Backyard Ultra Paraguay (Aug 15-16), a brutal endurance event that also serves as a qualifier for Paraguay’s World Team Championship squad. Indigenous Knowledge: FACEN-UNA published a guide on wild edible plants used by Mbya Guaraní communities in Itapúa, aiming to preserve biocultural heritage amid deforestation pressures. Handball Glory: Paraguay’s Under-15 women’s handball team won the South and Central American cadet championship, beating Argentina 27-24 in Asunción. Culture & Lifestyle: A feature on mate highlights its deep roots in Paraguay and the Guaraní tradition of yerba mate, from everyday rituals to modern café culture.

Asunción Anniversary: The capital kicks off its 489th anniversary celebrations on Aug. 14 with concerts, exhibitions, religious events, and artisan fairs in the historic centre, leading to the official Aug. 15 founding date. National Chipa Day: Paraguay gears up for the second Friday of August with a guide to making chipa mestizo and other beloved variations, keeping the cassava-and-cheese tradition front and center. El Niño Watch: Paraguay’s meteorology and hydrology authorities say El Niño could bring warmer winters, stronger storms, and higher flood risk from late August into 2027, with preventive works already underway. Endurance & Community Sports: San Bernardino hosts the Ulala Backyard Ultra Paraguay (Aug. 15-16), a brutal loop-based race that also serves as a qualifier for Paraguay’s national team for the World Team Championship. Indigenous Knowledge: FACEN-UNA published a guide on wild edible plants used by Mbya Guaraní communities in Itapúa, aiming to protect biocultural heritage as deforestation pressures traditional food systems. Handball Spotlight: Paraguay’s Under-15 women’s team won the South and Central American cadet handball title in Asunción, beating Argentina 27-24 in a packed final. Culture & Food Identity: A feature on yerba mate highlights its deep Paraguayan roots and how the drink travels through communities and everyday rituals. Business & Homes: Paraguayan-American entrepreneur Patricia Narvaez launched LUX Development in Asunción to make homebuilding more transparent for locals and newcomers, guiding clients through paperwork, construction, and banking steps. Japan-Paraguay Ties: Japanese Crown Prince Akishino shared “mixed feelings” about revised male-only imperial succession rules while preparing for a Paraguay visit marking 90 years of Japanese emigration.