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Friendship Day in Latin America
Every year a tradition of growing importance is celebrated in Latin America: Friendship Day.
On July 30, 1958, Doctor Ramón Artemio Bracho, a native of Paraguay, thought that this would be the ideal day to remember his campaign to foster understanding among all the nations of the world. It began to be celebrated in Paraguay and, years later, the United Nations recognized it as “International Friendship Day,” intended to inspire initiatives for peace and collaboration among the different communities to which we belong.
On July 20, 1969, the Argentine philosopher, musician, and dentist Enrique Ernesto Febbraro watched the moon landing live and thought that, finally, all the inhabitants of the world had united in peace to admire a great achievement. He immediately set out to write 1,000 letters to more than 100 countries to declare “Friend's Day” (700 of which received a response). Years later, the date would be celebrated in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Spain, in some cases differing in the date, but with the same spirit.
We are such good friends with our friends that one day a year to celebrate friendship is not enough for us. Of course, when one wants to dedicate some kind words to their friends on one of these days, they might not find the way to express themselves with all the beauty the moment requires. So, to make it easier for you to find inspiration, here are some quotes from some of our most important authors regarding friendship.
- “A friend must be like blood, which rushes to the wound without waiting to be called” (Francisco de Quevedo, Spanish writer: 1580-1645).
- “A friend is the hand that dishevels sadness” (Gustavo Gutierrez Merino, Peruvian philosopher: 1928).
- “Each person shows what they are by the friends they have” (Baltasar Gracián, Spanish writer: 1601-1658).
- “In reality, the only moment in life when I feel like I am myself is when I am with my friends” (Gabriel García Márquez, Colombian writer: 1927).
- “Replacing self-love with the love of others is changing an insufferable tyrant for a good friend” (Concepción Arenal, Spanish writer: 1820-1893).
- “Love is born from a spark; friendship from frequent and prolonged exchange” (Octavio Paz, Mexican writer: 1914-1998)
- “Friendships that are true, no one can disturb” (Miguel de Cervantes, Spanish writer: 1547-1616)
There are many, many more quotes (you only have to search the Internet), but these are the ones that have touched us the most. After reading them aloud a few times, we can only say to you: Happy day, friends!