The 2014 Central American and Caribbean Games got underway with a spectacular Opening Ceremony in the Mexican city of Veracruz tonight, with Latin American singer Ricky Martin among the stars of the show.

The Puerto Rican pop musician performed his new single Adios, as well as some of his other chart-topping songs, including Livin' la Vida Loca, to a packed crowd at the 26,000-capacity Luis Pirata Fuente Stadium.

"Welcome to Veracruz," Martin said.

"The Central American and Caribbean Games are opened."

The Opening Ceremony also saw the lighting of the Games cauldron by Mexican taekwondo Olympic, World Championships and Pan American Games gold medallist María Espinoza and the parade of some 5,700 athletes from 31 countries, who will take part in competition across 36 sports.

Caribbean music and fireworks also featured heavily in the show, as well as speeches from Veracruz Governor Javier Duarte de Ochoa, who spoke on behalf of Mexico's President Enrique Peña Nieto, and Central American and Caribbean Sports Organisation President Hector Cardona.

The Games are scheduled to continue until November 30.

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