Beneath Asunción’s beautiful sky, a cultural gathering unfolds, one that resonates with everyone who experiences music from its roots. Vinyl records, which, far from being forgotten, are once again gaining interest even among younger generations. For those seeking a different cultural outing, the essential rendezvous is the new edition of Vinilo Cooltural on 6 June 2026. The free-entry event will take place from 15:00 onwards at Embarcate, Centro Cultural del Puerto.
The initiative transcends mere buying and selling, and The Asunción Times shares a conversation with Agustín Servín Ayala (58), owner of MúsicaylibrosParaguay and one of the fair’s pioneering exhibitors.
The return of the analogue
Agustín recalls how the fair evolved from a nomadic event to the Villa Morra neighbourhood, before finally taking the great leap to the Port of Asunción. “At first, there was scepticism about leaving the commercial heart of the city. But the relocation proved to be an excellent decision. Today, the public is already accustomed to it, motivated by the appeal of the bay and the venue’s capacity.”
What drives people to invest in records? For Agustín, the answer is clear: quality and ritual. “On a vinyl record, the bass and cymbals are perceived with far greater depth; the experience is completely different.” In his ranking of fidelity, he continues: “Vinyl occupies the undisputed first place, closely followed by American or European edition CDs. Both of which vastly outperform the compressed audio of digital platforms. Furthermore, physical formats offer tangible design: booklets filled with recording histories, and a conscious ritual of listening that digital formats simply cannot replicate.”
The challenges of collecting
Keeping this passion alive is no simple task. Agustín details three major challenges for any collector. First, space, as housing such collections requires ample room. Second, maintenance, since dust is the worst enemy of vinyl, demanding constant attention. Finally, meticulous cleaning and time, as organising an inventory requires immense patience and dedication.
Contrary to the stereotype of the veteran collector, a growing wave of young people is embracing the analogue format. “Thanks to platforms like YouTube, they discover artists from the past and visit fairs seeking to hold that music in their hands. Even though the high cost of playback equipment, turntables, and amplifiers often presents a significant barrier to entry.”
Regarding rarities, the market is dynamic. He points out that Argentine records are currently scarce due to high import costs. On the other hand, jazz and classic rock maintain an unwavering demand. However, the local “Holy Grail” consists of Paraguayan music on vinyl. Gems such as the albums by Pro Rock Ensamble or RH+Positivo are highly sought after and exceedingly difficult to find.
A community beyond the music
Visitors will find more than 5,000 vinyl records, CDs, and cassettes offered by 20 exhibitors. At the same time, the event is complemented by traditional crafts and varied gastronomic options. The atmosphere will be set by vinyl sessions featuring José Nuño, Walter Riffler of the band The Crayolas, Rossin, DJ Lilo, and Arcoiris Analógico. Also, the Secretaría Nacional de Cultura (SNC) declared Vinilo Cooltural of cultural interest for its contribution to musical circulation.
Vinilo Cooltural is a community where sellers advise, exchange knowledge, and celebrate the history behind each album. The invitation is open to anyone who wants to reconnect with the classics, enjoy a trip to the past, and spend an afternoon at the port with unique sets. On Saturday 6 June, the port awaits to help disconnect from the digital world and listen to music, quite literally, on a completely different level.
