An endless stream of cars slowly inched along the driveway of Castle de Wittenburg to drop off the more than 400 guests, who were invited by the Ambassador of Brazil, Mr. Paulo Roberto Franca to join him in celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Independence of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

A large number of dignitaries were among the guests, such as the Mayor of The Hague, Mr. Jan van Zanen and the President of the Senate, Mr. Jan Anthonie Bruijn. The pianist Elizabeth Fadel played both the Brazilian and the Dutch National anthems so beautifully that the Ambassador started his speech by saying: “I am moved.” In his remarks the Ambassador, who arrived here with his family in 2020, briefly touched on the restrictions that were in place at that time and how he had nonetheless managed to extend his familiarity with this – in his own words – beautiful country. “I have been continuously impressed by the vibrancy that is evident on so many levels and am thankful for the warmth that I have received,” according to Ambassador Franca.

The Ambassador also took the opportunity to pay tribute to Professor Antonio Augusto Cancado Trindade, one of Brazil’s most brilliant and dedicated jurists, who passed away earlier this year. The Ambassador also graciously thanked his sponsors for the event, such as Cutrale fruit juice, Embraer and Braskem, to name a few. After the speech the guests were invited to the buffets, which were overflowing with Brazilian delicacies and outside in the garden the team of Rodízio Brazilian Grill prepared grilled meats and caipirinhas. What a celebration it was!