Text and photos: Juan David Latorre
Last Saturday, August 9, the Embassy of Bolivia held a reception on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the independence of the Andean country at the Escuela Sindical Julián Besteiro in Madrid.
The chargé d’affaires of the diplomatic delegation, Víctor Rafael Arancibia, addressed the guests and noted that “today we are gathered by a momentous event, the commemoration of the 200 years of independence of the plurinational state of Bolivia. A date that, rather than an anniversary, is the opportunity to reflect on what we were, appreciate what we are and project with hope what we want to be”.
“The process of Bolivian independence, continued Victor Rafael Arancibia, was long, courageous and deeply popular. It emerged from the rebellious heart of the Andes, with the uprising of indigenous people led by Túpac Katari, Tomás Katari, Bartolina Sisa and many other names that today we proudly claim. It was the people, in their diversity and dignity, who sowed the seed of freedom and traced the path to emancipation. On that historic road, the name of Bolivia emerged as a tribute to one of America’s most illustrious liberators, Simón Bolívar, who not only left his sword but also his vision of integration and justice and sovereignty over our peoples. Thus, on August 6, 1825, a free country was born, worthy and determined to build its own destiny. Today, Bolivia is synonymous with wealth in all its forms. Rich in biodiversity, with landscapes ranging from salt flats and highlands to tropical rainforests. Rich in living cultures, with more than 30 nations and indigenous peoples. Rich in strategic natural resources such as lithium, hydrocarbons and energy”.
With regard to diplomatic relations with Spain, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Bolivian Embassy stated that “Bolivia is a country that enchants those who discover it with its natural, historical and cultural diversity. And in this task of projecting ourselves into the world, Spain occupies a very special place in the Bolivian heart. We are united by a shared past, but also a present full of dialogue, respect and cooperation. The diplomatic relations between our countries have been historically constructive and we want them to remain so. With more exchange, more integration and more common projects. This year, in particular, we have had the privilege of deepening these ties, not only from a political point of view but also from a cultural, artistic and historical perspective”.
We then reviewed the various and numerous activities organized on the occasion of the Bicentenary of Bolivian independence, announcing for next Saturday 16 August one of the most spectacular entries that Bolivia has in the framework of folklore, which will take place on the Gran Vía in Madrid.
Rafael Arancibia concluded his speech by stating that “the Bicentenary is a call to continue building a more inclusive, sustainable and respectful Bolivia in its diversity. May these 200 years drive us to walk with more unity, more memory and more vision of the future.
