Philippine Consulate General, Maritime Museum of Barcelona Unveil Commemorative Marker for Historic Vinta, Celebrating Philippine Maritime Legacy
Philippine Consul General to Barcelona Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro and Maritime Museum of Barcelona Director General Dr. Enric Garcia unveiling the vinta commemorative marker
BARCELONA 02 October 2024 ⏤ In observance of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) 2024, the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, in collaboration with the Maritime Museum of Barcelona (MMB), unveiled a commemorative marker for a century-old vinta, one of the Philippines' most iconic traditional sailing vessels. The intimate ceremony took place in the main lobby of the MMB on 27 September 2024, honoring the Philippines' maritime heritage, and was led by Philippine Consul General to Barcelona, Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro alongside MMB Director General Dr. Enric Garcia.
This unveiling not only highlights the Consulate’s dedication to promoting the Philippines in Spain but also strengthens cultural and historical ties between the two nations. The restored vinta, now a permanent part of the MMB’s collection, serves as a source of pride for Filipinos in Barcelona and a testament to Philippine craftsmanship and maritime history.
The vinta’s inclusion in the collection was made possible through the Consulate’s efforts and the donation of a bamboo mast and sail by Congressman Khymer Adan T. Olaso of Zamboanga City. After 124 years, the vinta has been restored to its full glory, showcasing the resilience of Filipino maritime tradition abroad.
Following the ceremony, Dr. Garcia guided Consulate personnel through the museum, underscoring the shared maritime histories of Spain and the Philippines. Both parties emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration in preserving and celebrating these connections.
For more information and updates, please visit the Consulate's official website or follow on Facebook, Instagram and X (@PHinBarcelona). END
Unveiling ceremony with Consulate personnel
Vinta commemorative marker
Dr. Enric Garcia giving a tour of the Maritime Museum of Barcelona
For more information, visit https://barcelonapcg.dfa.gov.ph/ or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBarcelona/