History
In 1947, when India marked its independence, Spain recognized her as a sovereign state. After the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations in November 1956, Spain opened a resident Embassy in New Delhi in 1958. This was a big win for Spain as it only had Mediterranean countries and the American continent as the beacon of its foreign policy, earlier. With a settlement of an Embassy in India, Spain had struck the beginning of something beautiful and long lasting on the sands of time.
The Cervantes Institute is a nonprofit entity whose mission is to promote the teaching of Spanish and co-official languages of Spain, as well as contributing to the spread of the culture of Spanish-speaking countries.– Cervantes, New Delhi
The current Embassy — a small piece of Spain in the heart of New Delhi — was originally leased in 1966 and then bought in 1973. The Chancery and the Residence complete with its opulent, little garden comprises the compound that has been a testimony of several events and rendezvous over the years and hence it carries with itself a certain sense of pride making it an unmissable spot within the diplomatic community and the Delhi society.
This year marks the completion of 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Spain, on the occasion of which they intend to bring about a more dynamic and diversified relationship between our people, take up an endeavour to create new economic opportunities and to project a modern, updated image of our country, so as to present the deep changes that it has undergone in the last decades. Hence, the cultural programme — designed to celebrate these 60 years of bonding — boasts a three-fold hinge: economic initiatives, cultural activities and dialogue between our societies – a vast programme which covers areas such as sport, science and technology.
“We try to avoid clichés so as to present an unbiased, modern vision of our countries and their relationship. But there is one that is so widespread that we cannot deny it. Christopher Columbus sailed west and discovered America, but his goal was this part of the world. He was looking for India – hence the generic name given to the lands he discovered, las Indias, the Indies. India was present in the common dreams of all Europeans of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, which shows the economic and cultural pull of this country.” commented the representatives of the Spanish Embassy.
Both the countries have jointly designed and approved a common logo — to celebrate this jubilee in both India and Spain. The Embassy of India in Madrid, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Government of the Kingdom of Spain and the Casa de la India Foundation announced a competition for the design of a graphic for the Year of India in Spain/Year of Spain in India – 2016.
Close to 30 projects were presented; the winner of the design contest was Mr. Juan García Fuente from Burgos, Spain. According to him, the logo is a culmination of ‘links’ and colours that stand for the two nation flags. The integration of the elements within a circle represents the harmony between the two cultures.
upcoming events!
The month of February is going to witness the screening of two Spanish movies, conferences and exhibitions:
1. “No tengas miedo” or “Don´t be afraid” by Montxo Armendáriz is a story about Silvia who wants to settle scores with her traumatic past.
Date and Time: February 7th at 4:30 pm
Venue: Spanish Embassy Auditorium
Nearest Metro Station: Khan Market
Free admission
2. “Secretos del corazón” or “Secrets of the Heart” by Montxo Armendáriz is a 1997 movie. The plot begins with Javi and his older brother Juan going to a mountain village and leads towards Javi getting intrigued with a room which is always closed (the room where his father was found dead).
Date and Time: February 14th at 4:30 pm
Venue: Spanish Embassy Auditorium
Nearest Metro Station: Khan Market
Free admission
3. “Lungs of Delhi” by Lucas Muñoz
According to World Health Organization, Delhi is the city with the dirtiest air in the world. Pollution levels are located up to 15 times above the limits recommended by the organization. Spanish artist, Lucas Muñoz has designed a site specific art installation to elicit the same.
Date and Time: February 5th at 6:30 pm
Venue: Spanish Embassy Conference Room
Nearest Metro Station: Khan Market
Free admission
4. “Languages within the language” by Alberto Ruy Sanchez
This is a conference by Alberto Ruy Sánchez — a well-known Mexican writer and poet.
Date and Time: February 8th at 2:30 pm
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru University
Nearest Metro Station: JLN Stadium
Free admission
5. “Behind the Landscape” by Miguel Angel Garcia
A photographer and visual artist, Miguel Angel Garcia who is focusing on a reinterpretation of the territory and accumulating meanings in the images into layers, as a synthesis and reflection on what each photograph shows and hides presents an art exhibition on landscapes.
Date and Time: February 21st at 7:00 p.m. till 29th February ( From Tuesday to Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
Venue: Spanish Embassy Exhibition Hall
Nearest Metro Station: Khan Market
Free admission
6. “Arte para todos” or “Art for everyone” by I Borondo
This exhibition is a showcase of Borondo’s work — an internationally celebrated as one of the most talented Urban artists for his innovative approach to street art from Spain — (also a part of St+art Delhi 2016) aiding in the addition of some poetry to the landscape of this city.
Date and Time: January 31st at 4 pm to February 28th
Venue: TKD Inland Container Depot
Nearest Metro Station: Mohan Estate
Free admission
