The Aires de España 2025 programme returns to Paraguay for its fourth edition, promising a month of cultural celebration. The event will bring together art, cinema, gastronomy, and more. Organised by the Spanish Embassy and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), the programme once again presents a rich and diverse agenda throughout October 2025.
“This is a very varied programme that will run throughout October,” Spanish Ambassador Javier Parrondo stated.
Among the distinctive features is the Josefina Plá-inspired visual identity. She was a Spanish-Paraguayan novelist, poet, journalist, and artist whose production influenced Paraguayan culture. Her Motivos Payagua, series of engravings, blends Spanish and Indigenous Paraguayan motifs. As a result, the motifs symbolise the union of traditions to enrich the Aires de España logo.
A growing Spanish community in Paraguay
Natalia Salas Castilla, responsible for consular affairs, explains that there are over 10,100 Spanish nationals living in Paraguay today. This represents more than a 30% increase in the past five years. Many new citizens applied under the Democratic Memory Law (Ley de Memoria Democrática), which was passed in 2022. Consequently, officials expect the numbers to increase as more applications are processed.
Exploring artistic exchange through Aires de España
This year’s programme is focused on closeness, collective memory, and active participation. Guided visits to Palacete Peris, the reopened embassy headquarters, are available. There are also displays of Paraguayan contemporary art in various parts of the city.
Laura Mesa Reyes, director of the Juan de Salazar Spanish Cultural Centre, said: “We are taking our activities outside the Cultural Centre, bringing our work to citizens in all parts of the city.”
One of the standouts is the Art in Residence (Arte en Residencia) exhibition at the Official Spanish Residence. The exhibition showcases works from the Nasta Collection, a significant private Paraguayan art collection. Meanwhile, cinephiles will adore the cinema collaboration with Cine de Barrio, which showcases Spanish classics and award-winning contemporary films. The selection reflects the richness and vitality of Spain’s cinema.
Additionally, literature is highlighted with Platero y yo, Juan Ramón Jiménez’s Nobel-winning masterpiece. For the first time, the book is bilingual in Guaraní and Spanish. The initiative distributes 1,000 copies across Paraguay through schools and cultural networks. Ultimately, this new bilingual edition promotes literary appreciation through languages.
Sharing flavours and traditions
Gastronomy unites people through the Ruta de la Tapa and El Rincón del Chef. Spanish chefs and local restaurants will showcase signature Spanish flavours. On another hand, the Gran Picnic del Juande, an open day activity on 18 October, turns the Centro Cultural Juan de Salazar neighbourhood into a street party. Concerts, performances, and workshops are among the activities from 18:00 to 00:00.
Overall, Aires de España 2025 offers Spaniards, Paraguayans, and international visitors an intense cultural exchange. Throughout October, visitors can explore, taste, and experience Spain-Paraguay connections. From cinema and literature to tours and tasting tapas, Aires de España promises to provide moments of encounter and enjoyment.
For more information check the full programme on the Spanish Embassy’s website.
