Espana Por Favor! Spain Celebrates it’s National Day

#TRAVELTRADETOGETHER

Jacinta Mc Glynn (Travelbiz) bids a sad and fond farewell to His Excellency, Sr Idelfonso Castro, our Spanish Ambassador to Ireland as he leaves these shores for pastures new. Celebrating Spain’s National Day on 12^th October. His Excellency made an impassioned speech about his beloved native country and expressed his great love of Ireland too. He prefaced his words by offering heartfelt sympathy to the people of Creeslough, Co. Donegal for the horrific tragedy which unfolded there.

His Excellency was visibly moved when presented with a token of affection from Ireland’s Diplomatic community and presented to himself and his lovely wife, Esperanza, by the Mexican Ambassador. Sr Castro explained that Spanish National Day (Dia de la Hispanidad) is typically commemorated on 12^th October to mark the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus in 1492. Coincidentally, I’ve just returned from the delightful and lesser known Province of Huelva in Spain where I was thrilled to view replicas of the very ships that set sail to make such monumental discoveries for Spain – Santa Maria, La Pinta and La Nina. The day now marks the celebration of Spain’s legacy worldwide and recognises proud achievements and a commitment to a bright future and solidarity with the international community. A large number of well -wishers enjoyed delicious tapas, wine and the usual Spanish hospitality in the manicured grounds of the Ambassador’s Residence. Sr Castro will be sadly missed, but doubtless his follower will be equally charming and engaging. We shall offer him a real Irish welcome and bienvenido! Viva Espana.