The Instituto Cervantes was created in Spain in 1991 to promote the Spanish language and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Our Head Office is in Madrid and Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), the birthplace of the writer Miguel de Cervantes. Our organization also: Organises the Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE), as well as issuing the official certificates and diplomas to the participants in our courses. Organises Spanish courses. Organises Spanish teacher training. Supports Hispanists in their work. Organises cultural events in conjunction with other organisations. The work of the Instituto Cervantes is directed by representatives from the worlds of academia, culture and literature from Spain and Latin America.