As the Spanish royal family prepares for their annual summer stay in the Balearic Islands, Queen Letizia travelled to Barcelona to attend a meeting of directors of the Cervantes Institute. 

On Tuesday, 23rd July, Her Majesty arrived at the building that hosts the Municipality of Barcelona, where she was welcomed by the local Mayor, the President of the Cervantes Institute, and the Secretary of the local Socialist Party, among other authorities. 

After posing for a group photograph in the patio with the whole group of people attending the event, Queen Letizia entered the Salón de Ciento and sat in the seat that had been reserved for her amongst the highest authorities. 

The Mayor of Barcelona offered a few words, after which it was time for a few selected Directors of Cervantes Institutes around the world to talk about their experiences in being at the helm of the institution in various parts of the world. 

These interventions were followed by a roundtable discussion, in which Queen Letizia posed a few questions, and the Directors exchanged opinions and solutions. 

The event continued with Queen Letizia’s signature in the guest book, and the delivery of a present from the Barcelona Mayor to King Felipe’s wife. 

The final moment was a more informal meeting with all people attending, which took place in the Galería Gotica. 

The Cervantes Institute was created in 1991 as a tool to help promote Spanish culture around the world, including the teaching of the language. 

In 2024, the institution was present in 88 cities located in 45 different countries, with Queen Letizia having been involved in opening some of the newest facilities over the last few years. 

This meeting is an annual occurrence, and involves all the people who manage and direct the various centres, as well as the top officials of the central headquarters, of which the Institute has two: one in Madrid, and one in Alcalá de Henares.