On Thursday, September 18, His Excellency Víctor Abujatum, Ambassador of Chile to the Czech Republic, invited members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of Czech politics, and the Chilean community in the country to celebrate Chile’s National Day.

The festive event took place in the historic Písecká brána, a baroque city gate near Prague Castle that today serves as a cultural and social center.

A Historic Venue – Písecká brána
The Písecká brána (“Písek Gate”) was built between 1721 and 1723 according to the plans of Giovanni Battista Alliprandi and was once part of Prague’s baroque fortifications.

Named after the road leading to the South Bohemian town of Písek, it now stands as a renovated cultural landmark, frequently used for concerts, exhibitions, and diplomatic gatherings – a fitting venue for celebrating Chile’s independence.

Music and Cultural Exchange
The evening’s program was both festive and artistic.

The concert was performed by guitarist Rodrigo Santa Maria and violinist Víctor Bustamante, whose music captivated the audience. Ambassador Víctor Abujatum delivered a speech in which he honored Chile’s National Day while highlighting the strong ties between Chile and the Czech Republic.

He emphasized that the celebration was not only a remembrance of history but also a symbol of shared values such as freedom, democracy, and mutual understanding.

Following the concert, guests enjoyed Chilean wine and Czech hors d’oeuvres – a culinary experience that reflected both cultures and encouraged personal interaction and diplomatic dialogue.

Guests of Honor – Ambassadors Present

Among the distinguished guests were numerous ambassadors from Europe, Latin America, and beyond, including:

• Spain: H.E. María Pérez Sánchez‑Laulhé
• Portugal: H.E.Luís de Almeida Sampaio
• Brazil: H.E. Rodrigo Andrade Cardoso (Chargé d’Affaires a.i.)
• Argentina: H.E.Claudio Javier Rozencwaig
• Peru: H.E. Luis Escalante Schuler
• Colombia: H.E: Solangel Ortiz Mejía
• México: H.E.Ana Berenice Díaz Ceballos Parada
• Cuba: H.E. Saylín Martínez Tarrío
• Saudi Arabia: H.E. Abdullah Muteb A. Alrasheed
• Ukraine: H.E. Vasyl Zvarych
  as well as the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican, Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, and a representative of Turkey.

 

Also in attendance were a representative of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Helena Válková, a member of the Czech Parliamentary Friendship Group with Chile since 2022.

Their participation underscored the importance of Chile in the Czech Republic’s international relations.

Chile had been part of the Spanish colonial empire since the 16th century. The Napoleonic Wars in Europe, however, destabilized Spain’s monarchy.

In this context, leading citizens of Santiago established the Primera Junta de Gobierno (“First Government Junta”) on September 18, 1810 – a step marking the beginning of Chile’s independence process.

– Patria Vieja (1810–1814): the first phase of self-rule.
– Reconquista (1814–1817): temporary reconquest by Spain.
– Patria Nueva (1817–1818): decisive victories under José de San Martín and Bernardo O’Higgins, culminating in the Battle of Maipú (1818).On February 12, 1818, Chile formally declared its independence.

Yet September 18 remains the central National Day, commemorating the formation of the first junta and the start of the liberation struggle.

Today, Chileans celebrate their Fiestas Patrias with parades, music, dances, traditional food and drinks, and family gatherings. September 19 is additionally dedicated to the Chilean Army (Día de las Glorias del Ejército).

Together, these days form the most important national celebrations of the year.

Significance of the Celebration in Prague

The event at Prague’s Písecká brána brought together history, culture, and diplomacy:
– For the Chilean community in the Czech Republic, it was a moment of connection to their homeland.
– For the Diplomatic Corps and Czech politics, it was an opportunity for dialogue and strengthening bilateral relations.
– For all guests, it was a cultural experience that went beyond music, wine, and history – a living testament to freedom, identity, and international friendship.