"An auspicious moment as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Philippines and Spain," Spanish Ambassador Miguel Utray Delgados described the occasion as he welcomed dignitaries, members of the business and society who celebrated Spain's National Day, or La Fiesta Nacional de España, on 12 October at the Ambassador's residence.
Guests were treated to a feast of Spanish specialties like Jamon Serrano and various tapas, as well as overflowing wines, spirits, beers, and cocktails.
Close to 700 people attended the event to celebrate this special date. After the Ambassador's speech, flamenco guitarist Caracafé played both the Spanish and Filipino national anthems for all guests. The reception ended with a flamenco rumba concert by Los Alpresa.
Ambassador Utray arrived in the Philippines on 5 September 2022. He replaced Jorge Moragas Sanchez who was the envoy to the Philippines for four years. Utray also served as ambassador to Palau, Marshall Islands, and Micronesia.
The annual event commemorates the day when Christopher Columbus set foot in the Americas when he was seeking a direct route to Asia.
According to the Julian calendar, Columbus set sail from the port of Palos de la Frontera in South-West Spain on 3 August 1492. He landed on an island, now the Bahamas, on 12 October 1492. The island was then named Guanahaní.
The date is also significant for the country as it is the Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar, the patron saint of Zaragoza, Spain.
Spain usually celebrates this holiday with a military parade led by its King and Prime Minister. The Spanish national flag is hoisted in the center of Madrid.