On the Day of the Virgin of Mercy, the patron saint of prisoners, inmates at Tacumbú prison in Paraguay were treated to a rare and unexpected concert.

A local jazz group, the Palito Miranda Ensemble, brought their music behind the facility's volatile walls, offering a moment of peace amid the usual chaos.

The musicians, including an instrumentalist with wind instruments and a drummer, took the stage in the prison's gymnasium.

As the jazz notes filled the air, a mix of inmates and their relatives watched the performance up close, some even sharing a meal together.

Other prisoners watched from a distance, peering out from behind bars.

For many, this was more than just a musical show; it was a deeply moving experience.

Inmate Isabelino Duarte was left speechless by the group's performance, saying, "it's worth it to give us that joy as a prison inmate. I'm speechless, look, it's very moving."

Another inmate, Juan Frutos, expressed his gratitude, stating: "We're having a great time, and God willing, very soon we'll be spending time with our families."

For the musicians, playing at Tacumbú was a powerful and unique experience.

AP Video by Emilio Sanabria

Produced by Victor R. Caivan