Cine & Bar Canisa, Asuncion

Nestled in the heart of Asunción's historic Santísima Trinidad neighborhood, Cine & Bar Canisa is more than just a cinema-it is a living testament to nearly a century of Paraguayan cultural life. Founded by Catalan immigrant Don Jose Antonio Canisa, the space officially opened in 1928 as a vibrant complex combining a cinema theater, bar, and general store. Its story, however, begins a few years earlier in 1925, when Don José encountered a Chilean traveler who brought along a projector, silent films, and a generator. From this serendipitous meeting, film screenings began-and soon after, the Canisa Cinema was born.

Throughout the decades, Canisa became a cherished gathering place for intellectuals, families, and film lovers. Historical figures like Moses Bertoni and José Darío Gómez Serrato walked through its doors. During times of turmoil, including the Chaco War and the 1947 Civil War, the cinema even served as a relief center, deepening its ties to the community.

The 1940s to 1960s marked its golden era. With a capacity of 400 seats and the later introduction of CinemaScope in 1957, Cine Canisa brought the magic of Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, and early Disney to audiences from Trinidad and beyond-including Recoleta, Botánico, and even Mariano Roque Alonso. Many who couldn’t afford a ticket helped clean the theater in exchange for entry-just one example of how it welcomed everyone.

In 2024, Cine & Bar Canisa was celebrating a remarkable revival. Thanks to the “Revitalization of the Canisa Cinema and Bar” project, this historic space is once again open to the public. The new program includes events for all ages, including the community favorite "Christmas in Canisa"-a festive nod to the cinema's enduring role in neighborhood life.