Colombian Pop Star Shakira Lights up the Opening of the Central American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla

Colombian pop star Shakira got thousands of attendees dancing on Thursday at the opening of the Central American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla.

Wearing a purple dress and blonde hair, the singer closed the ceremony in her hometown for the regional event that brings together over 5,500 athletes from 37 countries, from Thursday until August 3rd.

Recovered from a vascular ailment that almost permanently took her away from the stage, Shakira sang her hits "Me enamoré", "Hips don't lie", and "La bicicleta".

"I'm happy to sing at home, nothing like singing in my home," said the artist, earning applause from the more than 20,000 people gathered at the Roberto Meléndez Metropolitan Stadium.

The Barranquilla native hadn't performed in Colombia since 2011, but she will do so again in November in Bogotá as part of her El Dorado World Tour.

Shakira's performance was preceded by a luminous, futurist-inspired opening based on the book "Barranquilla 2132" by Colombian author José Antonio Osorio. More than 800 artists participated in the show.

The main focus of the spectacle was former Miss Universe Paulina Vega, who portrayed a woman tasked with reclaiming "the joy gene" for humanity, represented in the Caribbean city.

The traditional parade of delegations also took place, including debutant countries such as Curacao, Martinique, Saint Martin, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Anguilla.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos attended the event and officially inaugurated it.

Colombian athletes such as soccer player Carlos Bacca, former baseball player Édgar Rentería, and BMX cyclist Mariana Pajón carried the Central American flame.

The 22nd edition of the Central American and Caribbean Games brings together a record number of athletes from 36 disciplines. Colombia aims to surpass Cuba, the champion in Veracruz-2014, and Mexico in the games.

Cuba leads the historical medal tally, followed by Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia.