were opened at the National Stadium on Friday night.
For the Paralympic Pan American Opening Ceremony titled "Elevación" (Elevation), Balich Worldwide Shows chose Hansel Cereza as creative director.
Cereza is an artistic and stage director of large-scale shows and inaugural events, dance, theater, and circus. He was also part of the Theater Company Fura dels Baus' founding team.
The
Parapan American Games' Opening Ceremony —cloaked in a metaphorical atmosphere— united protocol moments and a central show through a history of resilience and friendship. It was a fable that celebrated diversity, since differences elevate us.
The creative concept invited all attendees to overcome prejudices and open their minds thanks to the ceremony that was born in Peru for the Americas and for the whole world.
The set design was dominated by a totem, made by three obelisks. The totem changes during the show, acting as a symbol of transformation.
The lines traced on the floor are a reference to the lines of an athletic field. They were interrupted by graphic elements inspired by the patterns of pre-Hispanic ceramics and textiles. The broken lines also hinted at the concept of overcoming difficulties.
By seating around the stages on the field of play, the athletes became protagonists of the show.
The obelisks were inspired by pre-Hispanic examples such as the famous Tello Obelisk, from the Chavin Culture. The round element on top of the totem is the cauldron, inspired by representations of Inti, the Sun.
The event saw the participation of President Martin Vizcarra, who declared the Games officially inaugurated.
The ceremony had 436 members of cast of which 375 were volunteers and 600 costumes. The production team included 176 members of 16 nationalities.
Peruvian music band Bareto put the attendees to dance before the end of the ceremony.