King Felipe and Queen Letizia took part in the gala evening celebrating the opening of the “Nebrija 2022” Year.
The Royals arrived at Teatro Real in Madrid in the evening of 21st February, and were welcomed by political and cultural authorities, before entering the Falla Hall, where they received authorities from the Nebrija Foundation.
Once in the main event area, the King and Queen sat in the first row and observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the sinking of the fishing boat Villa de Pitanxo, which capsized off the coast of Terranova Island, in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The actual event then began, with interventions from authorities alternated with musical performances that had a recurring theme of ancient literature. Videos about Antonio de Nebrija were also projected.
It was then time for King Felipe to take the stage, in his first speech since recovering from Covid. During his intervention, His Majesty highlighted the importance, both in a historical perspective and in modern, daily life, of Antonio de Nebrija and his work.
Antonio de Nebrija (1441-1522) was the first Spanish humanist, as well as being the author of the first grammar book in Europe.
2022 marks the 500th anniversary of his death, and to mark the occasion various events have been organised by the Nebrija Foundation. These events include conferences, forums, but also publications (both academic and more mainstream, with the latter category including a comic about Nebrija) and digital projects.
Only a few hours before the gala, King Felipe had made his official return to public duties following 12 days in isolation.
