The night started just as it should, with a synchronized dance by hundreds of artists who energized the crowd and began to warm up the chilly Asunción evening.
Next, the participating delegations took center stage, painting the main track with colors. They paraded with the enthusiasm and energy so characteristic of youth, proudly carrying their banners high. Each delegation left its mark, dancing and smiling despite the cold in the Paraguayan capital, all accompanied by the vibrant music set by DJ Cami Flecha.
The artistic segment Corazón Guaraní introduced the charming Arandú, the Bellbird, the master of ceremonies who, with humor and pride, took the audience on a cultural journey and shared the magic of Paraguay.
The countdown set the initial pulse. With Villagrán as the soundtrack, the audience joined in with 25,000 LED wristbands, creating a sea of lights that lit up the entire Sajonia neighborhood.
The drone performance stole the show, no pun intended. It showcased Paraguay’s essence, from guarania music and traditional weaving, to the country’s exotic wildlife and lush flora, and finally its energy and water resources. Paraguay Will Resound lit up the Asunción sky with a spectacular display of one thousand drones and LED screens, setting the bar high for future presentations.
In Arandú’s second appearance, one of Paraguay’s beloved traditions was honored with the tereré ritual, performed by Aleshit, followed by a tribute to the guarania by Purahei Soul and the National Symphony Orchestra, celebrating its centenary and its recent UNESCO recognition.
Paraguay’s soul was also woven into the night with polkas and folk dances, highlighting the Poncho Para’i de 60 Listas, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Then came the power of water and energy, brought to life by Hydro and Villagrán in a musical and visual performance that celebrated the nation’s water wealth and energy potential. Nature took over the stage with Kchiporros, images of jaguars, lapacho trees, and bellbirds, along with 200 dancers in an explosive finale to the national segment.
The collective voice rose together in Seremos Leyenda, the official anthem of the Games, joined by Tito and Tika, the charismatic mascots who made the crowd laugh and cheer with their playful antics.
With them on the main stage, the authorities shared their reflections on the opening of the continental event, marking the start of the protocol segment. After the entrance of the Panam Sports and International Olympic Committee flags, carried by outstanding athletes, the President of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña Palacios, officially declared the Games open.
In another solemn moment of the night, representatives from different areas of sport took turns to deliver the oaths and carry the torch to the cauldron, which was lit by Fabrizio Zanotti, gold medalist in golf at Lima 2019.
The artistic finale was headlined by Tiago PZK, who electrified the audience with his hits. The Argentine singer’s contagious energy had thousands singing along to every song. The spectacular show concluded with hundreds of fireworks that shone like the sun, synchronized to the music of the immortal Agustín Pío Barrios.
In total, the show was the result of nine months of pre-production, with one thousand people working behind the scenes, over 700 lighting fixtures, 600 m² of LED screens, and 3,168 control channels forming the invisible machinery behind an event that not only inaugurated the Games, but once again ignited the heart of an entire nation.
This unprecedented spectacle in the South American nation marks the beginning of Games that promise to be unforgettable and leave a lasting legacy. Two weeks of intense competition await, two weeks in which the youth of the Americas will begin to make a name for themselves internationally and, at the same time, take the first steps toward their Olympic dreams.
