The Cervantes Institute safeguards a legacy for the 600th anniversary of the Gypsy people in Spain
The Box of Letters of the Cervantes Institute hosts a special deposit to mark six hundred years since the Gypsy people arrived in Spanish territory. This symbolic gesture, kept in the security vault of the Madrid headquarters, aims to recognize and make visible the profound mark that this community has left on the country. 🗝️
Historical objects that seal a memory
The content of the legacy brings together pieces of incalculable historical and cultural value. These elements will be permanently preserved in box number 1460 of the institution, ensuring that future generations can know this shared heritage.
Elements deposited in the vault:- A facsimile of the Safe Conduct that King John II of Aragon issued to a Gypsy pilgrim named Tomás on January 12, 1425. This document is the first evidence that certifies the Gypsy presence on the peninsula.
- An original copy of the Dictionary of the Spanish Gypsy Language, published in 1867 by Francisco de Sales Mayo, a fundamental work for studying Caló.
- An anthology of poems by the contemporary writer Susana Vegas, representing the current Gypsy literary voice.
Since their documented arrival in 1425, the Gypsy people have enriched Spanish history and culture with their contributions.
An institutional act with meaning
The ceremony to deposit this legacy was attended by key figures, underscoring the importance given to this milestone. The act sought not only to store objects but also to celebrate a living history of six centuries.
Attendees and representatives at the event:- Luis García Montero, director of the Cervantes Institute, who presided over the event.
- Rita Bosaho, Director General of Ethnic-Racial Diversity of the Government.
- Delegates from the State Council of the Gypsy People and the Gypsy Culture Institute Foundation.
Preserve to recognize the future
This deposit in the Box of Letters transcends the symbolic act. By safeguarding these documents, the Cervantes Institute not only protects a historical legacy but also opens a dialogue on the ongoing contribution of the Gypsy people to Spanish cultural identity. The message is clear: recognizing the past is essential to building a shared future. ✨