1 of 1 Caetano Veloso receives the title of “Doctor honoris causa” in a ceremony at the University of Salamanca Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/Universidad de Salamanca Caetano Veloso receives the title of “Doctor honoris causa” in a ceremony at the University of Salamanca Salamanca Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/University of Salamanca
The singer and composer Caetano Veloso received the title of “Doctor honoris causa” from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Salamanca in Spain in a ceremony this Monday (4).
Introducing the singer, Pedro Serra, professor of Galician and Portuguese philosophy, explained that Caetano’s work “offers a journey of high linguistic and musical tension: a monument to the poetic, to poetry as a place of affection, love and friendship.”
“He made the love of language a way of life. He is a poet, a philologist in the noblest sense of the word,” Serra said.
“Today you are recognized here for your cultural work and your ability to combine influences and styles, not only through music but also through a whole philosophy. “Tropicália” marked a cultural revolution in 1968, the new stage of celebrated Brazilian music, “explained the rector of the university, one of the oldest in the world, Ricardo Rivero.
“When I stopped at night to write the words that I wanted to say here, I remembered so many Mexican films, Argentine tangos, Cuban boleros and mambos, Peruvian songs by Chabuca Granda, Chilean songs by Violeta Parra and not only films, but also conversations with two Spaniards that I love and will always love very much, Fernando Trueba and Pedro Almodóvar. For my part, I dedicate all the beauty of this party to these two. Thank you very much,” said Caetano in his acceptance speech.
The singer then sang “Genipapo” on the guitar for those present.
The singer thanked the university again on X (formerly Twitter). “Many thanks to the University of Salamanca, the authorities present and everyone who took part in the ceremony of awarding the honorary doctorate of the University’s Faculty of Philology. Unforgettable!”
The title “Doctor honoris causa” is the most important award of a university and can be awarded to a personality who is distinguished by his contribution to culture, education or humanity.