Guayaquil to host Copa Juventud 2026 with 1,700 youth

The second edition of the Copa Juventud 2026 is set to take place on Saturday, August 15, at the Concha Acústica in Parque Samanes, Guayaquil. The tournament will bring together approximately 1,700 young people from 24 student and independent marching bands across various sectors of the city.

Organized by the Municipality of Guayaquil’s General Directorate of Community Engagement, the event aims to promote the productive use of free time through art and culture to help rebuild the social fabric. During the official launch at the Olmedo Cultural Center, participating groups provided musical demonstrations. Ronny Alvarado, president of the Ecuadorian Network of Marching Band Instructors and Directors, emphasized the importance of these cultural activities, while Councilman Fabián Espín highlighted the necessity of municipal investment in youth development to provide alternatives to negative social situations.