The Minister for Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Elma Saiz, at the meeting with migrants from Latin America, Africa, Asia and Europe
On the occasion of Columbus Day, the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration held the event "La Hispanidad es cosa de todos: cuidar lo que nos une, respetar lo que nos diferencia", a meeting in which migrants from Latin America, Africa, Asia and Europe shared their experiences and talked with the minister Elma Saiz about the current meaning of this common identity.
In her welcoming remarks, the minister emphasised: "It is the Hispanicity of those who were born in Colombia, Venezuela or Ecuador and today work, study or raise their children in Spain. It is the Hispanicity of those that come from Morocco, China, Ukraine or Senegal, and with their own efforts feel part of this community that has received them. It is also the Hispanicity that belongs to those of us who were born here, but we understand that the richness of our country is measured by its diversity".
"12 October is a date that has evoked different questions throughout history. First, pain and suffering; then, the shared ties between Spain and the peoples of Latin America, and today, in the 21st century, in the year 2025, it takes on a broader, more inclusive, more human meaning," said Elma Saiz at the meeting held at the headquarters of the ministry she heads.
Spain is home to 7 million migrants from five continents, 4.2 million of whom come from Latin America, where almost 2 million Spaniards live, which is more than half of those living abroad.
Open and universal Hispanicity
The event brought together testimonies of people who reflect how diversity enriches Spain's social, cultural and economic life.
Amalia, from the Dominican Republic, told how she integrated in Spain after arriving in 2006 to further her education: "I integrated because I had many helping hands that supported me non-judgementally, and took care of me. The hands that do not see you as an other, but as a you". Today she works at the Universidad Autónoma and raises her son in Madrid.
Estefania, from Venezuela, arrived at the age of 12 with her family: "We migrated to Spain to create new opportunities for the future". She is now studying to be a nursing assistant, combining this with a job in the hotel and catering industry to help support the family economy.
Adam, a young Spaniard and the son of parents from Morocco, believes that "sharing cultures adds value to society". In his speech, he pointed to the efforts of all migrant families to "move forward" at a time when "there is a lot of hate, mainly towards the Moroccan population".
Coming from Equatorial Guinea, María del Pilar has delved deeper into the celebration of the Día de la Hispanidad: "Every 12 October we celebrate Hispanicity because it belongs to everyone, and I agree with celebrating it not only with Spanish-speaking countries". Yeimi, who has been living in Spain for 10 years, explained her work and commitment to the rights of migrants and domestic workers.
More testimonies, from Marge, Zenib and Hugo, among others
From Colombia, Marge highlighted the path that led her to settle in Spain, thanks to an integrating environment. "It's the first time in the 11 years I've been here that I've had the opportunity to listen to other narratives. It's an opportunity to show how difficult the road to sitting here today is, and how easy it becomes when you have a supportive environment".
Zenib, a Mostoleña of Moroccan parents, shared her experience of representing her country in sporting competitions: "I was a karate champion and I was able to represent Spain in a world championship. It is a source of pride to highlight that racialised people can occupy these spaces". Bernard, a philologist and professor who came to Spain 25 years ago from Cameroon to study, described Spanish society as a melting pot: "Spain gives us a lot of things, we just have to give them back".
Hugo, from Bolivia, pointed out the dual commitment of migrants in Spain: "The mission to look after the welfare of your country, because you never forget where you come from, and to look after the country of arrival. We feel like every one of the 50 million Spaniards," he said.
Other testimonies reflected the global diversity that is part of the new Hispanicity. The Chinese Kung Fu master Xinmin, who has been living in Spain since 1974, was a pioneer in the introduction of this sport and tai chi in our country, and he has dedicated himself fully to his work in Spain: "I have worked all my life for sport and to help many people".
Liliya, a Ukrainian lawyer and naturalised Spaniard, emphasised the fact that Hispanicity is also celebrated as a bank holiday: "Everyone makes their own contribution. I like the concept of respecting differences because that is what enriches us and what we bring to the table". She was sitting next to her mother, who arrived in Spain 26 years ago with her husband and knew from the very first moment that this was the country where she wanted to raise her children, so she brought them too. "I wrote them letters telling them that I had fallen in love with this land and its people," she said.
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