“A life dedicated to building bridges where walls stood.”
Edited by Anna Popper
12 October 1492 was a day that changed the course of world history. The arrival of Christopher Columbus in America marked the beginning of a new era of exploration that reshaped cultures, economies, and societies across the globe.
Each year, Spain commemorates this transformative moment as its National Day – Día de la Hispanidad, celebrating the nation’s enduring heritage and global influence. Spain’s legacy from the Age of Discovery continues to thrive through its rich traditions and vibrant culture, while the Spanish language – spoken by over 560 million people in 22 countries, as an official language – remains one of the world’s most powerful instruments of global communication.
To mark this special occasion, H.E. Alfonso Dastis Quecedo, Ambassador of Spain to Hungary, and Mrs. Marisa Alonso hosted a grand reception in the magnificent ballroom of the Corinthia Hotel Budapest. The elegant evening brought together high-ranking government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and distinguished figures from Hungary’s cultural, academic, and business communities, as well as Spanish nationals and friends of Spain. The celebration not only honoured Spain’s National Day, but also served as a heartfelt farewell to Ambassador Dastis, whose dedicated service has deepened the ties between Spain and Hungary.
The event began with the national anthems of Spain and Hungary,
followed by a deeply personal and reflective speech by Ambassador Dastis Quecedo:
“Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen, those who have attended other celebrations for Spain’s National Day know that I don’t like long speeches. Today, however, I will make an exception – but I won’t be very long. The reason, as you know, is that in addition to celebrating our National Day, I am also bidding farewell to Hungary and, even more so, to the Spanish diplomatic service. I believe this justifies asking for a few minutes of your patience and undivided attention.
Today, in fact, marks the end of my mission in Hungary, after three years dedicated to strengthening relations between two countries that, although geographically distant, share many things in common – two friendly and allied nations, above any political differences that may exist at any given time.
In particular, I would like to highlight the depth of our relations in the areas closest to everyday life: education, culture, and, ultimately, human relations. In a country so rich in culture, we have done our best to contribute our part, and we are especially pleased by the growing interest of the Hungarian people in Spanish – the third most spoken language in the world – and for whose dissemination we count on the invaluable help of the Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America, to whom I would like to especially salute today.
Without a doubt, Hungary is a country brimming with culture in all its forms. Among its many facets, given the ease of access to its language, my wife and I have decided to prioritize the musical aspect. Indeed, for music lovers, Hungary – and Budapest in particular – is a paradise. The House of Music, the Liszt Academy, and the MÜPA will always remain in our memories. We will miss them.
Just as we will miss all those friends who opened their homes to us and allowed us to get to know better such a complex part of Europe, which we were largely unaware of, and especially a country with such a rich and complex history and so proud of its identity. Many thanks to all of them.
As I said, today I conclude my work at the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs after 42 years of service to Spain in a career that, without false modesty, I believe I can describe as successful. It has even led me, unexpectedly, to head the Ministry of Foreign Affairs itself (2016–2018) at a truly delicate moment for our identity as a nation and our own national integrity.
Indeed, unlike Hungary, Spain has an identity problem, to the extent that it is even questioned by some of its citizens. However, when addressing this delicate issue, I always like to recall a quote attributed to Chancellor Bismarck, who reportedly said that Spain was the strongest country he knew because it had spent 500 years trying to destroy itself – and had failed. I hope it remains that way.
I have had a career focused on European affairs, which has made me a staunch advocate of European integration – a conviction I wish to reaffirm here today, despite the difficult times the Union is going through. To quote Benjamin Franklin, ‘Either we hang together, or we shall surely hang separately.’
In sum, I am retiring from the foreign ministry – at least for now – but not from active life. I intend to remain active and participate in public life, even more so than in recent years due to the duty of confidentiality that comes with the responsibilities of my position. In a way, I’m regaining my freedom of expression, and I plan to take advantage of it.
Let me conclude by expressing my gratitude to those who have made these three years so memorable.
First and foremost, to my wife, Marisa, who is my alpha and omega.
Then to my collaborators at the embassy: my deputy, José Luis; the Consul and Cultural Counsellor, Óscar; in my Secretariat, Zoltán and Silvia; and of course, the rest of the staff – Emilio, Csilla, José, Katalin, Ramón, Betty, José Luis, Erika, Santiago, Orsolya, Pablo, Zoltán, Jenny; and at the residence, Michael, Melanie, and Mary Ann.
Also, to the staff of the Economic and Commercial Office, led by Rafa; of the Instituto Cervantes, led by José María; and all the way from Bucharest, Ester, Counsellor for Home Affairs.
I also want to thank the co-sponsors who contributed to this celebration: CAF, CUPRA, Tokaj Oremus, Monte Nevado, La Liga, Estrella Damm, and the Corinthia Hotel itself.
Finally, as this is my farewell, I wanted to add a personal touch connected to my hometown, Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia – the birthplace of sherry. You may have seen the figure of the Venenciador at the entrance, my friend Jesús Rubiales, who demonstrates the most artistic way of serving a good sherry. I encourage you to try it if you haven’t already. And if you prefer non-alcoholic wine, we have that too.
That said, thank you once again to everyone who attended – and enjoy the evening.”
The guests were invited to a reception where they were captivated by the Venenciador’s graceful art of serving sherry, (vino de Jerez) a world-renowned fortified wine produced exclusively in southern Spain, – an elegant and spectacular gesture rarely seen outside of Spain, even by those who appreciate this emblematic wine.
Spain takes great pride in its world-renowned and diverse cuisine, which was once again exquisitely represented that evening. Attendees enjoyed some of the country’s most famous regional dishes and specialties, accompanied by a selection of excellent Spanish wines that reflected the nation’s rich culinary heritage.
A warm and cordial atmosphere filled the ballroom as congratulations and heartfelt gratitude were expressed to Ambassador Dastis – a true living legend of Spanish diplomacy. His outstanding service, defined by professionalism, commitment, and an unwavering sense of duty to his country, contributed significantly to the prestige and success of Spain’s foreign service, as well as to his own remarkable career – a testament to the finest traditions of diplomacy, built on integrity, intellect, and a steadfast devotion to dialogue and cooperation.
During his 42 years of service, he exemplified the principle that “diplomacy turns boundaries into meeting points,” fostering understanding and friendship between nations, and leaving behind a legacy of profound experience, wisdom, dedication, and humanity.
By his side, on every posting and mission, always stood his devoted spouse, Mrs. Marisa Alonso, whom he movingly described in his farewell speech as his “alpha and omega” – the highest words of gratitude and affection one can express. Her constant presence and support were an inseparable part of his diplomatic journey, contributing to the warmth and grace with which they together represented Spain wherever they were called to serve.
As Ambassador Alfonso Dastis Quecedo embarks on a new chapter of life, he carries with him the respect, admiration, and warmest wishes of all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him – for a future as meaningful and fulfilling as the career that has so beautifully defined his life.
Your Excellency, on behalf of the Diplomatic Press Agency, we express our sincere appreciation and extend our best wishes for your future endeavours, together with your lovely spouse.
Source: Embassy of Spain in Budapest
Photos from the Embassy of Spain in Budapest and Diplomatic Press Agency
