Asunción will host the 2028 Campeonato Mundial de Asadores Ancestrales (World Championship of Ancestral Asado). Paraguay was selected in a vote against Brazil, Chile and Bolivia, receiving 8 of the 12 votes, equivalent to 80% support.
The competition is expected to bring together about 80 teams and judges from different countries. Organizers project that more than 1,000 foreign visitors will arrive.
The designation was conveyed to Javier Ramírez, acting executive secretary and minister of Tourism, at a meeting with representatives of the Paraguayan Association of Grillers and the International Confederation of Ancestral Grillers and Barbecue Masters (CONFIAPA), an international organization in the field.
Edgar “Largo” Ibáñez, president of the Paraguayan Association of Grillers, said the country has the infrastructure and meat production needed to host the championship. Alongside grilled dishes, the program is expected to feature traditional foods and products such as chipa guazú, sopa paraguaya, cassava and artisanal sausages.
The expected presence of competitors and visitors could also create opportunities for tourism and for producers, meatpacking plants, brands and companies linked to the meat supply chain and gastronomy.