The Embassy of Spain in Paraguay has launched the fifth edition of Aires de España, with activities taking place throughout October 2026. The programme brings together cultural, gastronomic, sporting and development cooperation activities in Asunción and other parts of Paraguay.
The initiative forms part of Spain’s National Day celebrations and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Centro Cultural de España in Paraguay. The 2026 programme also expands beyond the capital, with activities planned in the department of Itapúa. All activities included in the programme are free to attend, although some require prior registration.
Taking culture beyond the capital
The Embassy will hold two celebrations linked to Spain’s National Day this year, with events in Asunción and Encarnación. The wider programme in Itapúa will also bring Spanish cultural projects to the south of the country.
From 17 October to 30 November, El Mirador in Cambyretá will host Joan Miró: Dibujos sobre el muro, by Spanish photographer Rif Spahni. The exhibition was previously presented at the Centro Cultural de España in Asunción. The exhibition focuses on Son Boter, the former Mallorcan estate and studio where Joan Miró worked. Spahni’s photographs document drawings, marks and other traces that the Spanish artist left on its walls. The Spanish Agency produced the project for International Development Cooperation (AECID) in collaboration with the Fundació Miró Mallorca.
On 23 October, the Jesuit Mission of Jesús de Tavarangue will host the presentation of the Tape Tuja Cultural Circuit. The initiative was developed by Paraguay’s National Secretariat of Tourism (SENATUR) and Spanish Cooperation. The route seeks to rediscover the historic Jesuit-Guaraní roads connecting the missions of Jesús de Tavarangue and Santísima Trinidad del Paraná. People interested in participating can request further information or register through email at oce.paraguay@aecid.es
Photography, cinema and Josefina Plá
Visual arts are another central element of this year’s programme. Ojos que yo encendí, presented by the Centro Cultural de España and PHotoESPAÑA, brings together 21 photographers: 11 Spanish and 10 Paraguayan. The exhibition, curated by Paraguayan photographer Leonor de Blas, remains open in Asunción until 24 October. The project connects contemporary photography with women associated with Spain’s Edad de Plata, while introducing a specifically Paraguayan perspective through Josefina Plá.
The project explores how Plá’s trajectory can be considered alongside pioneering women associated with Spain’s cultural and intellectual transformations during the period. Her inclusion also creates a connection between the historical experiences explored in Spain and their reinterpretation from Paraguay.
Cinema will also feature prominently throughout October. A renewed collaboration between the cultural centre and Cine de Barrio will mark Spanish Cinema Day on 5 October with a screening of El desencanto, directed by Jaime Chávarri.
Later in the month, the Centro Cultural de España will host a Goya Awards film cycle from 28 to 31 October. The screenings will take place in the centre’s auditorium, which can now accommodate up to 190 people, compared with 160 previously. Its screen has also increased from three to eight metres, expanding the venue’s capacity for film screenings and other cultural events. The programme includes five Spanish films: Los Domingos, Maspalomas, El Cautivo, Ciudad sin sueño and Sirat.
The cultural centre will also hold a session of its Letras Iberoamericanas reading club on 31 October. The meeting will focus on the life and work of Josefina Plá.
Culture, cooperation and community
Aires de España 2026 will extend beyond exhibitions and cinema, with activities connected to community life, gastronomy and cooperation. On 17 October, the Centro Cultural de España will host Nuestro barrio galáctico (Our galactic neighbourhood), with activities extending onto Tacuary Street. The programme will include gastronomy, workshops, live music and other community activities.
On 27 October, the Escuela Taller de Asunción will hold an open day at its facilities on Jejuí Street. The school forms part of a network of six vocational schools supported by Spanish Cooperation in Paraguay. It trains young people in different trades connected to restoring and improving public spaces. The initiative has operated for 30 years and has participated in work involving several landmarks in Asunción. These include the Manzana de la Rivera, the Ignacio A. Pane Municipal Theatre and the Escalinata Antequera.
Visitors will also have opportunities to explore spaces directly connected to the Spanish Embassy. Guided visits to the Palacete Peris, the Embassy’s headquarters, are scheduled on selected dates throughout October, with free admission following prior registration. A new edition of Arte en Residencia will open at the Spanish Ambassador’s residence on 29 October. The exhibition will feature 40 works from the Mendonca collection, including pieces that have not previously been exhibited.
Through these activities, the fifth edition of Aires de España combines cultural programming with cooperation projects and community initiatives. The programme runs throughout October, bringing together organisations and participants from Spain and Paraguay.
For more information about Aires de España 2026, including the full programme and registration details, visit the official website of the Embassy of Spain in Paraguay.
