Bicentennial of Bolivia: Its Founder Simón Bolívar Celebrated in Rome

Author: Patrizia Boi

The Ambassador of Bolivia to the Holy See, H.E. Teresa Susana Subieta Serrano, opened the evening with heartfelt words, evoking Bolívar's immortal dream and his vision of justice and unity, which still illuminates the contemporary challenges of the Latin American continent. Shortly after, the screening of a video dedicated to the Bicentennial of Bolivia transported the audience on a journey through the collective memory of a people who have never ceased to fight for their dignity and freedom.

The evening was enriched by the speeches of prominent figures in diplomacy and culture, who passionately highlighted the universal value of Bolivarian thought. H.E. Franklin Mauricio Zeltzer Malpica, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Holy See, and H.E. Marilyn Di Luca, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the FAO, strongly emphasized the urgent need to strengthen Latin American cooperation and to keep Bolívar's legacy alive as a beacon for the present and future.

H.E. Sonia Brito Sandoval, former Ambassador of Bolivia to Italy, offered a profound analysis of Bolívar's impact on current policies, weaving together past and present in an unbroken red thread that ties the aspirations of yesterday to the struggles of today. H.E. Teresa Susana Subieta Serrano also fervently reiterated the centrality of these ideals in building a more just and united society.

The intervention of the book's author, Maddalena Celano, represented the beating heart of the evening. With a passion that infused every word, Celano captured the greatness of Bolívar in his most authentic essence: not only a leader and strategist but also a thinker and visionary, a man of culture and a revolutionary at heart. Her portrait of the Liberator depicted a tireless leader, consumed by the desire for an emancipated and united continent, an ideal that still serves as a beacon for those fighting for social justice and the sovereignty of peoples.

Adding further prestige to the evening was the valuable contribution of Mario Michelle Pascale, publisher of Casa Editorial Pascale, who underscored the historical and cultural importance of the book, recognizing it as a fundamental work for anyone seeking to deeply understand the roots and destiny of Latin America.

And then, there was the music. The group Pujllay gifted the audience an unparalleled emotional experience. Their melodies transcended time and space, transforming the room into a collective heartbeat of passion and belonging. The strings and drums awakened the deep soul of a continent, evoking the rebellious heart of a people who have never stopped believing in their dreams.

Making the evening even more significant was the presence of the Ambassadors to the Holy See from Colombia, H.E. Jorge Mario Eastman Robledo; Mexico, H.E. Alberto Medardo Barranco Chavarría; Honduras, H.E. Reniery Augusto Jiménez Dubón; and Haiti, H.E. Jean Jude Piquant. Their participation confirmed the importance of events like this in strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation among Latin American nations.

H.E. Teresa Susana Subieta Serrano, with her extraordinary organizational skills, was the driving force behind this unforgettable evening, making possible an event that will remain etched in the memory of those who had the privilege of attending. As per tradition, the gathering concluded with a Bolivian reception prepared in authentic style, a moment of conviviality and sharing that sealed the warmth of this extraordinary experience.

The event also carried the bittersweet taste of a farewell filled with gratitude for H.E. Sonia Brito Sandoval, who returns to Bolivia after offering her invaluable diplomatic contribution, recognized with a prestigious honor conferred by the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov.

Naturally, the evening also saw the presence of H.E. Mirta Granda Averhoff, Ambassador of Cuba to Italy, and H.E. René Juan Mujica Cantelar, Ambassador of Cuba to the Holy See, constant witnesses to the commitment to keeping cultural and diplomatic dialogue alive among Latin American peoples.

The evening closed with applause and reflections, with the awareness that Bolívar's thought is not a relic of the past but a burning flame that still illuminates the path of those who believe in freedom, dignity, and social justice. That evening, in Rome, his spirit found a new voice, between the pages of a book and the notes of an eternal melody.