The spectacular Ceremony (pictured top), which took place at the Omnilife Stadium on October 14, saw several high profile figures in attendance including International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge, while the Games were officially opened by the President of Mexico, Felipe Calderón.

The Emmy Award itself went to Maria Rosario Mendoza, one of Mexico's pre-eminent fashion designers, who was selected as the costume designer for the Opening Ceremony thanks to her unique perspective, artistry and skill.

"I am so honoured to be recognised by the Academy for my work on the Guadalajara 2011 Opening Ceremony," she said.

"My goal was to represent the rich culture of my country and I would like to thank everyone involved in bringing this amazing show together."

The ceremony was produced by FiveCurrents, which also worked on the Opening Ceremony for the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics, and the company praised Mendoza for receiving the Emmy Award.

Guadalajara's Opening Ceremony at the 2011 Pan American Games in the Omnilife Stadium proved to be a spectacular success

"I am thrilled for Maria," said FiveCurrents' President and executive producer Scott Givens.

"Her costume designs were modern and fresh, but still paid tribute to Guadalajara's rich heritage.

"They added tremendous life, beauty, colour and authenticity to the Opening Ceremony and I am proud to have the chance to work with such world-class talent."

The move is likely to provide a boost to Guadalajara's bid for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games as the Mexican city is locked in a race with Buenos Aires, Glasgow, Medellín, Poznan and Rotterdam.

The bid is hampered slightly by the fact that Guadalajara still has a debt of 399 million pesos (£19 million/$30 million/€24 million) from the 2011 Games but it has said it is confident of paying it off entirely by the end of the year.

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October 2011: Pan American Games open in Guadalajara with spectacular ceremony