<h6><strong>The Diplomat</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The Cervantes Institute has received a gift in its Box of Letters commemorating the sixth centenary of the Roma people's arrival in Spain in 1425. The gift includes a parchment copy of the document granted by Alfonso V of Aragon authorizing their entry into the country.</strong></h4> The ceremony, held this past Monday, December 15, was attended by the director of the Cervantes Institute, Luis García Montero; the State Secretary for Social Rights of the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030, Rosa Martínez; the Second Vice President of the State Council of the Roma People, Carmen Santiago; the writer and professor Jesús Salinas; and the theater director, writer, playwright, and producer Francisco Suárez. The presence of the Romani people in Spain dates back to January 12, 1425, when Alfonso V of Aragon granted safe passage to John of Egypt the Lesser and his group. Box 1429 of the institution has housed, in addition to a copy of this document, a letter from the Royal Household announcing that King Felipe VI is sponsoring the commemoration of the 600th anniversary of this event. Also included are a piece of traditional basketry and the Romani flag with the anniversary commemoration logo, as well as the photography book *Memories of Glimpses Along the Paths of the Romani People*, by Jesús Salinas, along with an original negative of a photograph of Camarón. The collection is completed with three handwritten poems by José Heredia Maya from the book *A True Gypsy: An Oratory*, and the handwritten description of the four stage movements, provided by José Heredia Maya's family. Finally, a USB drive containing poems from Federico García Lorca's "Romancero Gitano" (Gypsy Ballads) was placed in the box, set to Gypsy song performed by Gypsy singers and guitarists, recorded in 2004 at the Teatro Español during the production of "Romancero Gitano." For the director of the Cervantes Institute, Luis García Montero, this event commemorates not only the arrival of the Roma people in Spain, "but also the human rights injustices they have suffered in the persecution of their identities." "Culture is a fundamental part of critical awareness and a fundamental part of identity based on dialogue and diversity," he added. <h5><strong>Year of the Roma People</strong></h5> The State Secretary for Social Rights of the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and 2030 Agenda, Rosa Martínez, emphasized the importance of declaring 2025 the Year of the Roma People, framing this event within the recognition of six centuries of "presence and contribution." “It has allowed us to remember the historical and current injustices that still persist, so that we can fight against them with greater determination,” she stated. For her part, the second vice president of the State Council of the Roma People, Carmen Santiago, championed the legacy of a culture that “has not been recognized until now.” “It is important to make the Roma people visible through all kinds of events, but it also serves as a starting point for a freer and more just society, where we can improve all the living conditions that are currently lacking,” she added. Professor Jesús Salinas warned that there is “too much distortion” regarding Roma culture and, therefore, believes that this book, a legacy of photographs of key figures in Roma culture, serves to “dismantle this idea of mere spectacle and stereotype.” “Many years from now, future generations will be able to perceive the past through this record, and I hope it will help them reflect on and consider the evolution of their history,” he emphasized. Playwright Francisco Suárez recalled the names of artists such as La Niña de los Peines, Manolo Caracol, Lole y Manuel, and Lita Cabellut to celebrate “great artists who portrayed the pain and joy of a people,” also calling for more events like this to honor them. “If in 50 years someone wants to know what our cultural contribution to the world was, they should find it in the art of creation,” he concluded.
