Asunción’s Historic Centre will host two days of concerts, exhibitions, reading activities and cultural events on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September 2026. The programme brings together Paraguayan music, visual arts and heritage alongside activities aimed particularly at young people and families. Among the main events are a tribute to Paraguayan musician Lorenzo Álvarez on Friday and Palmear Palma Joven 2026 on Saturday. Several museums and cultural institutions across the city centre will also extend their activities throughout the weekend.
Paraguayan music and art at the city centre
On 25 September, the National Orchestra of Popular Music (ONAMP) will present Tribute to Lorenzo Álvarez – The Soul of the Violin. The free concert begins at 19:00 at the Centro Cultural del Puerto de Asunción. Admission is available until capacity is reached.
The concert commemorates the centenary of the birth of Paraguayan violinist and composer Lorenzo Álvarez. Born on 10 August 1926, Álvarez became a prominent figure in Paraguayan music. He spent decades performing with national orchestras and ensembles. His son, conductor Luis Álvarez, will lead the orchestra through compositions by his father and other works from the Paraguayan repertoire. Singer-songwriter Juan Paredes and Kumare, formed by Angie Díaz, Paola Cabriza and Ysapy Mieres, will join the concert as guests.
More music, an exhibition and handicrafts
Also at 19:00, Espacio Cultural Staudt will host Los niños y la Guarania. The project aims to introduce younger audiences to one of Paraguay’s most important musical traditions. Admission is free until capacity is reached.
Visitors to the Centro Cultural del Puerto can also explore Maestros del Arte Popular e Indígena del Paraguay: El fuego que queda. The exhibition runs from 14:00 to 20:00 at Espacio Cultural Itaú and returns for its second edition after 13 years. Curated by Fredi Casco and Fernando Allen, the exhibition brings together textiles, woodcarving, drawing, painting and ceramics from different Paraguayan artistic traditions.
La Recova al Puerto will also continue in the building’s central hall. Vendors offer handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs and other Paraguayan products while restoration work continues at their traditional location.
Palma Joven takes over Calle Palma
Saturday’s programme will centre on Palmear Palma Joven 2026, bringing live music and opportunities for young people to Calle Palma. The free event will run from 11:00 until 23:00 along Calle Palma between Independencia Nacional and 14 de Mayo.
The musical programme includes Paraguayan artists Kchiporros, Qmbia Juan, Villagrán, Talento de Barrio, Indio Rubio, Cami González, Estación 12 and Deficiente. Paraguayan metal band Kuazar will also participate, alongside emerging bands selected through the event’s band competition.
Beyond the concerts, a Feria de Oportunidades (Opportunities Fair) will provide information about scholarships, education programmes and other opportunities aimed at young people. Embassies, public institutions and other organisations are expected to participate in the initiative.
Museums, books and Paraguayan history
The weekend programme extends beyond Calle Palma to several cultural institutions across Asunción’s Historic Centre. On Saturday, the National Archive of Asunción will open from 11:00 to 20:00. Visitors can see 4 tiempos de la República. Las constituciones del Paraguay, an exhibition exploring Paraguay’s constitutions of 1870, 1940, 1967 and 1992. The Casa de la Independencia Museum will remain open from 08:00 until 21:00. Visitors can explore its permanent collection and spaces connected to Paraguay’s independence process.
Meanwhile, the National Library of Paraguay will dedicate Saturday to reading. Its Sábado de lectura, Sala abierta para leer (Reading Saturday, Open Reading Room) programme will run from 10:00 until 18:00. At 10:00, families can also attend Donde los cuentos nacen, organised by Fundación en Alianza for children aged three to eight. Both activities are free of charge.
With concerts, exhibitions, museums and activities spread across several locations, the programme offers visitors different ways to explore Asunción’s Historic Centre throughout the weekend.
