MIAMI.- A group of experts in political, economic and cultural matters will meet in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, from May 14 to 19 for the development of the first Congress International for the Reunification of the Spanishness, an activity that seeks to discuss the key elements that allow the Hispanic states to strengthen their union.
Lawyer María Herrera Mellado, Doctor in Legal Sciences and founder of the Spanish Heritage in the Americas Organization based in the United States, said in an interview with DIARIO LAS AMRICAS that the project that is possible today was born in 2020, when a group of specialists They came together to create a platform that promoted the values of Hispanicism.
“In order to promote and recover Hispanic values from the academy, combating the attacks on the Spanish legacy that come from the black anti-Spanish legend and seeking to strengthen the union between Ibero-American nations. This Congress will be a first step and meeting point of Hispanic leaders and professionals with the public to defend our history and a vital legacy for humanity,” he commented.
Herrera pointed out that during the event, the speakers will discuss and present various studies on geopolitics and cultural and educational events will also be presented, all with the intention of sharing and enriching the folklore of Hispanic countries.
Likewise, he pointed out that to end the day, an agreement will be signed to create the Universidad Hispanista Blas de Lezo y Olavarrieta, which is: “a response to a real threat against our common legacy.”
United States and Hispanicity
The lawyer, whose presentation is titled Is Hispanic immigration to the United States a threat or the salvation of America?, seeks to reflect on the impact of Hispanic migration to the country, but also to remember the Spanish contribution and legacy that prevails over the formation of the United States.
“With this I intend to make people reflect on a key issue in current social and political affairs that necessarily entails a historical analysis of the contributions of Hispanics and the value of their legacy in the North American nation,” he explained.
“We will take the opportunity to publicize fundamental data about our common history and our unique influence, including the main contributions to history, geography and culture American that deserve so much respect. On the other hand, we will talk about the current way of emigrating of hundreds of thousands of Hispanics, which represents a threat to this country and a stain on our legacy. My contribution will be of a historical and analytical nature, a necessary reflection so that we understand that the United States is not a nation foreign to Hispanicity but rather a reference and a key country to carry out and defend this reunification of Hispanicity around values and principles. , as well as culture,” he added.
In this sense, María Herrera Mellado highlighted that Spain made important discoveries in territories that today make up the country, and asserted that the United States, despite not sharing the language, should not be exempt from this union.
“From Alaska to Florida, the Spanish Empire made great discoveries in this young nation while contributing to scientific, agricultural, gastronomic and cultural advances that helped its development. We should not see the United States as a country alien to Hispanicity but rather as a reference and an ideal meeting place for the reunification and defense of Hispanicity, our values, as well as our legacy. If we ignore the Hispanic past and present of this great nation we will be delivering monumental works and. great milestones to the enemies who seek to destroy us.
He also highlighted that the country is a meeting point for thousands of families who have migrated from their nations due to the different crises that the region is going through. “Today this nation is home to more than 57 million people who speak Spanish, that is, it houses a community of millions of citizens who share a common language and history. In addition, it continues to be a beacon of freedom that houses a hope and a model of prosperity to follow for the rest of the region that is being attacked, and this is something that we want you to know, that it was precisely Spain and its empire that left an indelible legacy that incorporated inalienable rights, as well as a heritage and culture around to values and principles that prevail today and are fundamental for the survival of our civilization.
Strengthening a common culture
The specialist also pointed out that the strengthening of Hispanic culture is a complex process, but not impossible.
In his opinion, we can start from the language, since it facilitates relationships because the Spanish language is a: “vehicle for communication and shared cultural expression.”
“The power of Spanish-language music in the world is the result of the existence of Spanish-speaking musicians, writers and other cultural creators who in turn serve to promote our identity and cultural wealth. In turn, thousands of Hispanics participate in cultural events joints, such as film festivals, book fairs and art exhibitions, that celebrate and disseminate Hispanic culture in all its manifestations, but we must praise more joint works and successes achieved thanks to cultural identity. Greater unity between Hispanic countries would help. “promote an education that highlights our history and common values, as well as the diversity of regional traditions and cultures.”
Likewise, I considered that the media of Spanish-speaking countries are a fundamental tool to share this enriching vision of the Ibero-American reality.
It is precisely the language that Herrera considers not only the common point, but also the greatest cultural wealth that defines Hispanics.
“The Spanish language is undoubtedly one of the main elements that unites Hispanics around the world. Although there are regional variations in the language, there is a common linguistic base that unites Spanish speakers. Many Spanish-speaking countries share a colonial history and common cultural experiences that have contributed to the formation of a shared cultural identity. Literature in Spanish, from the Golden Age to contemporary literature, has had a significant impact on Hispanic culture. Modernism and surrealism, as well as colonial and contemporary architecture, are also important elements of Hispanic culture. Music and dance are also an integral part of Hispanic culture, with genres such as salsa, tango, cumbia. and flamenco that are internationally recognized. Hispanic cuisine so varied and rich, with distinctive dishes and flavors in each country and region, reflects the cultural diversity of our community. Traditional festivals and celebrations, such as Day of the Dead, Holy Week, patron saint festivals and other religious and cultural festivities, are part of our identity,” he concluded.
