Feeling Pride in the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle

H.E. Mr. Alberto Moreno Humet and his spouse

On 29th September 2022, I arrived in Prague, knowing that it would not be a long stay and that it was my last posting as a diplomat and as Ambassador.

I knew Prague from a previous visit I had made years ago, and I remember that the Embassy had taken us to dinner at a restaurant that I have been unable to find the entire time I have been here, and I must say that I have looked for it.

I arrived with great enthusiasm, but without knowing what I would find here, and what my life in Prague would be like. It has to be said that Prague is trendy in Spain, and that it is a popular tourist destination. The challenge is that this creates very high expectations, and sometimes the reality is not what we imagine it to be.

So, I landed in Prague with previous impressions and with high expectations, and, now I can say it – not only did Prague not disappoint me, but it has surpassed the high expectations I had formed of it. I fell in love with the city a few days after arriving, and if I ever disappear, look for me in Prague.

I am aware that the Czech Republic is much more than just Prague, so I have taken every opportunity to visit the country, and today I can proudly say that I have been to every region of the Czech Republic – from Ústí nad Labem to Ostrava, and from Bohemia to Moravia / Silesia. I have visited the second oldest university located in Olomouc, and the wonder of Český Krumlov. I have strolled through the functionalist city of Zlín, and attended the film festival in Karlovy Vary. However, I have been to Pilsen three times and have not been able to visit the brewery. Obviously, I will have to come back.

During this time, I have met many people, and I have always tried to learn and understand the Czech character and culture – it is the product of a rich, sometimes challenging, history, but one whose upheavals have shaped the personality of the Czech people.

As Europeans, we have many things in common, including history, and it is with a sense of pride and satisfaction that I attend the important official events taking place in the Spanish Hall of the Castle.

Nevertheless, I would like to think that as Europeans we have learned something from our common history. I would also like to think that, through this collective project called the European Union, we are building a future in which we will banish negative values such as hatred, violence, and racism, in order to create a new Europe based on solidarity, tolerance, and respect for human rights and democracy.

I am happy to think that Czechs and Spaniards (and many more) share these values, and are building a better future together.