AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather & Community Impact: Giant hailstones and strong winds battered Asunción and nearby areas, damaging homes and cars and leaving parts of the capital without power; ANDE says most metropolitan lines were restored, with emergency crews still working on a few feeders. Arts & Culture Calendar: German Week 2026 is underway in Asunción and San Lorenzo until Oct. 14, with free public events spanning literature, art, German food and Oktoberfest-style programming. National Identity in Design: Paraguay unveiled redesigned guaraní banknotes for all six denominations, rolling out gradually in 2027 while keeping existing notes valid. Music & Literature: Words And Sound Festival 2026 at Asunción’s Port Cultural Centre drew crowds for talks, workshops, book and vinyl fairs, and live sets despite a stormy ending. Folklore Exchange: Paraguay hosts the 7th Latin American Folklore Gathering (Oct. 6–11) across San Lorenzo, Asunción and Fernando de la Mora, featuring artists from 13 countries and multiple free public performances. Local Sports Spotlight: Paraguay’s investment-grade push continues as Fitch affirmed a BB+ rating with a positive outlook, keeping the country one step from investment grade.

Storm Aftermath: Giant hail and strong winds battered Asunción and nearby areas, smashing car windshields, punching holes in roofs, and leaving thousands without power; ANDE says most metropolitan lines were restored, with some feeders still down. German Week in Paraguay: German Week 2026 (Semana Alemana–Deutsche Woche) is underway in Asunción and San Lorenzo until Oct. 14, with free public events spanning culture, literature, food, and Oktoberfest. Guaraní Money Update: Paraguay’s Banco Central unveiled redesigned guaraní banknotes across all six denominations, rolling out gradually in 2027 while keeping current notes valid. Arts & Culture Calendar: Words And Sound Festival 2026 drew crowds at Asunción’s Port Cultural Centre despite a storm, mixing literature, vinyl, crafts, and live music. Folklore Spotlight: Paraguay will host the 7th Latin American Folklore Gathering (Oct. 6–11) with artists from 13 countries and multiple free performances. Sports Talent Watch: Manchester United gave Paraguayan youngster Diego Leon rare first-team minutes, highlighting his pace and attacking runs.

Diplomacy & Culture: Argentina’s President Milei received credentials from new ambassadors to the country, including Belgium’s Christian De Lannoy (also set to serve Paraguay and Uruguay), Israel’s Ahuva Spieler Reshef, Ireland’s Olive María Hempenstall, and Finland’s Veikko Kiljunen. USMNT Spotlight: Julian Hall, 18, keeps making history for the U.S., joining Pelé’s elite club after a record-setting 3-0 win over Mexico. Storm Disruption in Paraguay: Asunción and nearby areas saw massive hail “like tennis balls,” with cars damaged, matches paused, and power knocked out—though ANDE reported most lines restored. Paraguay Tech for IP: A Paraguayan-led AI team won Best Paper in South Korea for trademark classification research tied to a DINAPI AI-assisted platform. Festival Buzz: Words And Sound Festival 2026 drew crowds at Asunción’s Port Cultural Centre despite a stormy ending, mixing literature, music, vinyl, and crafts. Upcoming Arts 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. Heritage in Focus: Paraguay’s Cinematheque Foundation restored fragile Chaco War film and TV works, including a 1932 documentary, to protect the country’s audiovisual history.

Storm Damage in Asunción: A violent hailstorm with “tennis ball” sized ice hit Paraguay’s capital and nearby areas, smashing car windshields, damaging homes, and leaving thousands without power; ANDE later said most metropolitan lines were restored, with some feeders still down. Local Tech & Culture: A Paraguayan-led AI team won a Best Paper Award in South Korea for trademark classification research tied to a DINAPI AI-assisted platform project. Asunción University District Plan: Universidad Central del Paraguay is pushing a US$200M University District in the historic centre, aiming to bring 5,000 foreign students and repopulate the area. Words & Sound Festival 2026: Asunción’s Port Cultural Centre hosted the literature-and-music festival despite a stormy ending, featuring major author Agustina Bazterrica and big crowds. Paraguay Sports Spotlight: Paraguay beat Colombia 1-0 in an international friendly in New Jersey, with Hugo Benítez scoring the winner. Folklore & Heritage Events: Paraguay will host the 7th Latin American Folklore Gathering (Oct 6–11) with free public performances, while Empanada Day (Oct 4) continues to celebrate national food heritage.

Paraguay Sports Spotlight: Paraguay edged Colombia 1-0 in a New Jersey friendly, with Hugo Benítez scoring the winner as La Albirroja held firm defensively. Local Football Futures: The match also underlined Colombia’s rebuilding phase under Néstor Lorenzo, who said the squad is still “being built,” while Paraguay’s structure looked ready for the next cycle. Culture & Community: Paraguay’s 7th Latin American Folklore Gathering runs Oct. 6–11 across San Lorenzo, Asunción and Fernando de la Mora, bringing artists from 13 countries and offering free public performances at major venues. Food Heritage: Empanada Day on Oct. 4 celebrates the stuffed pastry and its sandwinada tradition, with regional recipes recognized as national heritage and the snack now a major business. Arts Preservation: Paraguay’s Cinematheque Foundation conserved two rare Chaco War audiovisual records, including a 1932 documentary, protecting key pieces of the country’s film history. Sports Tourism: Encarnación will host Ironman 70.3 on Oct. 11, spotlighting the region’s landscapes for athletes and fans worldwide.

Folklore & Community: Paraguay is gearing up for the 7th Latin American Folklore Gathering (6–11 Oct 2026), with free public performances in San Lorenzo, Asunción and Fernando de la Mora and artists from 13 countries. Food Culture: Empanada Day hits Paraguay on 4 Oct, celebrating regional heritage and the snack’s big business boom. Sports Tourism: Encarnación hosts Ironman 70.3 on 11 Oct, bringing elite and amateur triathletes to swim, cycle and run through local landmarks. Fashion Spotlight: Asunción Fashion Week returns for Resort 2026/27 (7–11 Oct), built around “Forma, Materia, Mirada, Origen” and a focus on Paraguayan identity. Film & Heritage: Paraguay’s Cinematheque Foundation has conserved rare Chaco War audiovisual records, including a 1932 documentary and a 1983 TV documentary. Local Sports Buzz: Manchester United gave Paraguayan youngster Diego Leon a rare chance to impress under Michael Carrick. Big Event Watch: Paraguay will host the World Skate Games ASU26 (2–18 Oct) with 8,000+ competitors across Asunción and Luque.

Paraguay Sports Spotlight: Paraguay edged Colombia 1-0 in a New Jersey friendly, with Hugo Benítez scoring after a defensive mistake, as La Albirroja held firm despite Colombia’s pressure. Local Football Build-Up: Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo admitted the squad is still “being built,” with lineup changes and a learning curve after the 2026 World Cup. Asunción Culture & Heritage: The Paraguayan Cinematheque Foundation restored two rare Chaco War audiovisual records—a 1932 documentary and a 1983 TV documentary—helping safeguard fragile nitrate film and preparing it for digitisation. Fashion in the Capital: Asunción Fashion Week returns for Resort 2026/27 (Oct 7–11), rooted in Paraguayan identity through pillars like Form, Materia, Mirada and Origen. Big International Event: Paraguay hosts the World Skate Games ASU26 (Oct 2–18) with 8,000+ athletes across Asunción and Luque, spanning 11 sports and 40 skating disciplines.

Paraguay Sports Spotlight: Paraguay edged Colombia 1-0 in a New Jersey friendly, with Hugo Benítez scoring after a defensive mistake, as Orlando Gill made key saves to keep La Albirroja solid. Local Football Build-Up: Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo said his squad is still “being built” ahead of the Paraguay match, with a rebuilding cycle and an unsettled lineup. Asunción Culture & Archives: Paraguay’s Cinematheque Foundation conserved two rare Chaco War audiovisual records—a 1932 documentary and a 1983 TV documentary—helping safeguard fragile nitrate-era footage for future digitisation. Spanish Cultural Exchange: Spain’s Embassy launched Aires de España (free events across October), tying culture, gastronomy and cooperation to the 50th anniversary of the Centro Cultural de España. Gender & Public Voice: TEDIC opened “Where Are the Women? All Male Panel,” showing 1,500+ photos of male-only expert panels in Paraguay since 2017. Fashion: Asunción Fashion Week returns for Resort 2026/27 (Oct 7–11), centered on Paraguayan identity through four creative pillars. Major Event Watch: Paraguay hosts the World Skate Games ASU26 (Oct 2–18) with 8,000+ competitors across Asunción and Luque.

World Skate Games ASU26: Paraguay will host the 5th World Skate Games from Oct. 2–18 in Asunción and Luque, with 8,000+ competitors from 91 countries and 40 disciplines across venues including COP, SND, Costanera and Cerro Lambaré. Asunción Fashion Week: AFW returns Oct. 7–11 with Resort 2026/27, centering Paraguayan identity through pillars like Form, Materia, Mirada and Origen. Paraguay Football Friendly: Paraguay edged Colombia 1-0 in New Jersey, with Hugo Benítez scoring the winner in a match played at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Colombia vs Paraguay Build-Up: Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo said the squad is still “being built” ahead of the New Jersey friendly, with lineup decisions still in progress. Municipal Elections 2026: Paraguay votes Sunday, Oct. 4, with alcohol sales banned from 19:00 Saturday nationwide ahead of polling. Music in Asunción: Swiss violinist Rachel Kolly performs Oct. 1 at Teatro Municipal de Asunción in a free concert with OSCA. Internet Reality Check: A thought experiment asks what daily life would look like if Paraguay lost internet for 24 hours, highlighting how deeply services now run online.

Asunción Fashion Week: Asunción Fashion Week returns for Resort 2026/27, running Oct. 7–11, with a creative direction built on Forma, Materia, Mirada, and Origen—cement, stone, linen, and Paraguayan identity at the center. World Skate Games ASU26: Paraguay hosts the World Skate Games from Oct. 2–18, with 8,000+ athletes across 40 disciplines around Asunción; the Oct. 2 opening ceremony starts at 19:00 at the Comité Olímpico Paraguayo. Music & Culture: Swiss violinist Rachel Kolly makes her first Paraguay appearance in 12 years on Oct. 1 at 20:00 at Teatro Municipal de Asunción, free and open to the public, performing Bruch and Saint-Saëns with OSCA. Tech & Daily Life: A Paraguay-focused “what if” explainer asks what happens if the country loses internet for 24 hours—highlighting how deeply daily life now depends on connectivity. Paraguay Sports Spotlight: World Cup host-country rules are reshaping CONMEBOL qualification, with Paraguay among the automatic qualifiers for 2030.

Miss Grand International: The Philippines advanced to Round 3 of the 2026 “Country’s Power of the Year” voting, with the next phase running just 24 hours and votes accepted only via the official portal. Rally Spotlight: Elfyn Evans leads a tight World Rally Championship title fight in Sardinia, but road position and rough gravel could flip the outcome for Sami Pajari and Oliver Solberg. Film & Memory: A look at why Southern Cone filmmakers keep returning to dictatorship-era stories, including Paraguay’s Oscar/Goya submission Narciso set during the Stroessner regime. Music in Asunción: Swiss violinist Rachel Kolly returns after 12 years for a free OSCA concert at Teatro Municipal on Oct. 1, featuring Bruch and Saint-Saëns. Literature & Sound: Words & Sound 2026 lands at the Port of Asunción on Oct. 3 with free talks, workshops, and live performances, including Argentine writer Agustina Bazterrica. Local Culture: LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize 2027 opens for Paraguayan artisans (deadline Oct. 15, 2026). Sports (Paraguay-linked): Paraguay’s municipal elections are Oct. 4, with alcohol sales restrictions starting Saturday at 19:00.

Asunción Culture: The Words & Sound 2026 festival returns to the Port of Asunción on Oct. 3 with free entry, a book fair, workshops, and live music—featuring Argentine writer Agustina Bazterrica and other regional authors. Music & Craft: LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize 2027 opens for Paraguayan artisans (submissions until Oct. 15), with the Paraguayan Institute of Handicrafts coordinating local participation. Classical Spotlight: Swiss violinist Rachel Kolly performs Oct. 1 at Teatro Municipal de Asunción with OSCA in a free concert featuring Bruch and Saint-Saëns. Sports (World Stage): Conmebol adjusts 2030 World Cup qualifying after Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay lock in host berths, cutting odds for other South American teams. Local Sports: Paraguay’s U-20 futsal team plays Venezuela in the CONMEBOL South American tournament Oct. 1 at the Bolivarian Dome in Barquisimeto. Community & Identity: Bat Day coverage highlights Paraguay’s “mbopi” bat-conservation push and local outreach efforts. Civic Life: Paraguay’s Oct. 4 municipal elections bring strict rules, including a nationwide alcohol sales cutoff starting Saturday night.

Paraguay Arts & Culture: Words & Sound 2026 returns to Asunción’s Port cultural center on Oct. 3 with free entry, book fair hours from 10:00, and a full day of talks, workshops, and live music featuring Argentine authors Agustina Bazterrica and Loyds. Creative Industry: Paraguay’s LOEWE Craft Prize 2027 push is underway, with the Paraguayan Institute of Handicrafts urging artists and artisans to apply before Oct. 15, aiming to bring local craft to an international stage. Film & Streaming: Mubi has secured worldwide rights to Movistar Plus International series “La Mesías” and “Riot Police,” expanding the reach of Spanish-language originals. Tech & Health (local): Paraguay inaugurated its first Robotic Surgery Training Center (CER) at Universidad Católica’s Health Sciences Campus in Asunción, training specialist surgeons via simulation and hands-on modules. Sports (regional): Venezuela’s U-20 futsal hosts Paraguay this Wednesday at the Bolivarian Dome of Barquisimeto in CONMEBOL group play.

Festival Spotlight: Words & Sound 2026 returns to the Port of Asunción on Saturday, 3 October, with free entry, a book fair from 10:00, and a full day of talks, workshops, record-fair browsing, and live music from 13:00–22:00, featuring Argentine writer Agustina Bazterrica and other regional voices. Arts & Craft: Paraguay’s artists and artisans can apply for the LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize 2027 (deadline 15 October 2026), with the Paraguayan Institute of Handicrafts acting as the local gateway. Film & Awards: Paraguay has selected “Narciso” as its official submission for the Oscars and the Goya Awards, based on the real-life case of broadcaster Bernardo Aranda. Tech & Health: Paraguay inaugurated its first Robotic Surgery Training Centre (“CER Training Center”) at Universidad Católica’s Health Sciences Campus in Asunción. Entertainment Business: Mubi acquired worldwide rights to Movistar Plus International series “La Mesías” and “Riot Police,” expanding the reach of Spanish-language TV hits. Sports: Cuba won big at the Brazil Open Taekwondo tournament, taking gold and silver with just two athletes.

Paraguayan Film on the Global Stage: Paraguay has selected Narciso as its official submission for the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film and the Goya Awards’ Best Ibero-American Film, based on the real-life case of broadcaster Bernardo Aranda and directed by Marcelo Martinessi. Asunción Youth Culture: Palma Joven 2026 filled Calle Palma with an estimated 70,000 people for a full-day lineup of drummers and major local acts, reviving the historic street as a youth hub. Country Brand Abroad: President Santiago Peña presented the Marca País licence to New York’s I Love Paraguay restaurant, making it the first Paraguayan establishment outside the country to receive the distinction. Music & Arts Spotlight: The Paraguayan Academy of Film Arts and Sciences’ Oscar push lands as international attention grows, while local culture keeps moving—from youth festivals to film premieres. Regional Diplomacy Watch: The OAS scheduled a foreign ministers meeting for Oct. 2 to analyze Nicaragua’s political crisis, with Paraguay among the conveners.

Oscars & Goya Spotlight: Paraguay has selected the film Narciso as its official submission for the 99th Academy Awards (Best International Feature) and the 41st Goya Awards (Best Ibero-American Film), with the story based on broadcaster Bernardo Aranda and directed by Marcelo Martinessi. Cinema Preview: The Paraguayan horror drama La Sombra released its trailer ahead of an Oct. 1, 2026 premiere in local cinemas. Music & Street Culture: Palma Joven 2026 turned Asunción’s Calle Palma into a youth festival, drawing an estimated 70,000 people and featuring major national acts plus a huge drum performance. Fashion & Creative Community: Paraguayan designer Simón Villalba made history at New York Fashion Week, while TEDxUC Asunción announced a lineup exploring perspectives through 11 Paraguayan voices. Sports on the Rise: Team Paraguay wrapped Santa Fe 2026 with 37 medals (9 gold, 9 silver, 19 bronze), surpassing 200 total medals across the Games’ history. International Paraguay Brand: I Love Paraguay in New York received an official Marca País (Country Brand) licence from President Santiago Peña, marking the first overseas restaurant to earn the distinction.