With Art, Culture, and Joy
In commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, H.E. Ambassador Roberto Calzadilla Sarmiento hosted a remarkable National Day reception in August at the Embassy of Bolivia in The Hague. The celebration beautifully captured the essence of Bolivia’s rich cultural heritage and the pride of a nation marking two centuries of independence.
The embassy premises and garden were filled with diplomats, academics, members of the Bolivian diaspora, and friends of Bolivia from various sectors of Dutch society. The ambiance reflected a true spirit of joy, and hospitality—hallmarks of Bolivian culture.
Guests were greeted with a colorful program blending tradition, and art. The La Plata Ensemble opened the evening with an exquisite performance of Chiquitano baroque music, connecting Bolivia’s historical depth with its living artistic expression.
In his address, Ambassador Calzadilla Sarmiento delivered inspiring and warm remarks:
“We gather today in The Hague not only to commemorate two centuries since the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Bolivia on August 6, 1825, but also, in this Bicentennial year, to renew our firm commitment to continue building a truly free, sovereign, just, and united Bolivia.”
The Ambassador reflected on Bolivia’s journey—from its liberation struggles led by Simón Bolívar, Antonio José de Sucre, Juana Azurduy, and other heroes, to the nation’s transformation into a Plurinational State in 2009. He highlighted the importance of recognizing Bolivia’s 36 indigenous and peasant nations, their languages, and systems of self-government, as well as the nation’s advances in social inclusion, intercultural education, and environmental rights.
Ambassador Calzadilla Sarmiento also emphasized Bolivia’s foreign policy of peace and dialogue, anchored in “diplomacy of the peoples and diplomacy for Living Well,” which advocates harmony with nature, respect for human rights, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. He reaffirmed Bolivia’s support for multilateralism and climate justice, referencing the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on climate obligations.
“Our foreign policy, based on “diplomacy of the peoples and diplomacy for Living Well” and on a culture of peace, promotes dialogue, respect for human and environmental rights, harmony with nature, rejection of racism and oppression, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. At the global level, we have joined the BRICS and, in our region, MERCOSUR, amplifying our voice.
The climate crisis has brought historic droughts, frosts, floods, and forest fires that have devastated our Amazonian forests and productive communities. However, we remain steadfast in our support for productive recovery, knowing that the fight against climate change is inseparable from the fight for social justice.”
The Ambassador also underscored the importance of Bolivia’s relations with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, highlighting cooperation in sustainable trade, energy, forestry, and academia, as well as its engagement with Portugal and solidarity with the State of Palestine.
Following his inspiring speech, the evening turned into a festive celebration of color and rhythm, as the Alma Latina dance group took the stage with dynamic performances of traditional Bolivian dances, including Tobas and Morenada. The dances, full of energy , rhythm and symbolism, brought the spirit of Bolivia to life, mesmerizing the audience.
The culinary experience was another highlight of the evening. Bolivian venture Iskay and international chef Rodrigo Arandia curated a flavorful gastronomic journey through Bolivia’s diverse regions—featuring quinoa and anticuchos from the Andes, menudito from the valleys, and majadito from the tropical lowlands. Guests also enjoyed a tasting of Bolivian wines and singani, guided by renowned Dutch ethnologist and wine expert Cees van Casteren, whose work in Bolivia has made him one of the leading international connoisseurs of Bolivian wine culture.
The evening concluded with awards presented to Bolivians and organizations that have significantly contributed to promoting Bolivia’s image and culture in the Netherlands.
Under the leadership of Ambassador Roberto Calzadilla Sarmiento, the Bicentennial celebration in The Hague stood as a meaningful symbol of Bolivia’s proud identity: a country of diversity, resilience, and profound cultural wealth, proudly sharing its vision of a just and united future.
¡Jallalla Bolivia! Viva Bolivia.
