September 15 is a very important date in the Central American nations of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica: it is the date on which all five of these nations declared their independence from the Spanish Empire in 1821. Now, 201 years later, the diplomatic corps came together on this day to celebrate independence, national food and culture, and the general revelry that such a holiday merits.
The Ambassadors of Nicaragua, H.E. Mr. Carlos Jose Arguello Gomez, of Guatemala, H.E. Mr. Jorge Skinner-Klee Arenales, of El Salvador, H.E. Ms. Carmen Maria Gallardo Hernandez, and of Costa Rica H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro were all in attendance and welcomed their esteemed guests to the celebration in the Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag.
The co-hosting the National Day celebration has become a tradition in The Hague and many may remember past editions. This collaboration is a fitting reflection of shared heritage and the influence of diplomacy in a time when it is important to find reasons to bring people together.
Ambassador Brenes Castro, speaking on behalf of all his colleagues, offered brief welcoming remarks to the attendees, thanking them for their presence, as well as urging all to enjoy the celebration with good food and good company. He stressed the symbolic importance of hosting the event in the Hague as a way to renew the bonds of friendship with the Kingdom of the Netherlands and other members of the diplomatic community and their shared values in multilateralism.
Finally, he spoke warmly about the international community and how, even though the republics of Central America share certain challenges related to the effects of climate change, organized crime, and others, it is through the partners and friends on the world stage who will help bring things to pass.
Each of the four republics hosted a table at the event where attendees could sample a tasty variety of national flavours. The event was lively, the atmosphere was joyous, and the whole world joins in celebrating 201 years of Central American independence.
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Photography August Zeidman.
