Columbus Day
The basics
Christopher Columbus is known for sailing the ocean blue in 1492, with a little help from The Niña, The Pinta, and The Santa Maria (and the Spanish crown of course). Columbus was meant to arrive in India, but actually landed in the Americas.
The second Monday in October is known widely by many as a day off school and work, but In the United States of America this day is known as Columbus day and Indigenous People’s Day. In Spain it’s celebrated as Fiesta Nacional de España, or Día de la Hispanidad. Oceans apart, both countries commemorate Christopher Columbus’ voyage across the Atlantic. Fiesta Nacional de España 2020 will be celebrated Monday October 12.
The second Monday in October is known widely by many as a day off school and work, but In the United States of America this day is known as Columbus day and Indigenous People’s Day.
History
Italian-born Christopher Columbus was sponsored by Spanish monarchs Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile to set sail. To his surprise he stumbled upon the “new world”. He was searching for a western route from Europe to Asia. During separate voyages Columbus landed on various Caribbean islands [Bahamas, Hispaniola]. This resulted in a speedy race for exploration.
Armed Forces Day
Armed forces day is celebrated alongside Spain’s national holiday. Commander-in-chief King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and their family attend a military parade in central Madrid, as well as the prime minister, and other notable guests.
In Colombia and Mexico it’s Día de la Raza. In the United States Italian-Americans have been known to host parades, street fairs with Italian food and music to celebrate their heritage, while in countries like Mexico this date is used to honor and remember the first people of that land.
The Americas
This day is celebrated globally. In the United States it is known as Columbus Day. It was President Franklin D. Roosevelt who claimed Columbus Day a national holiday in the United States. In Colombia and Mexico it’s Día de la Raza. In the United States Italian-Americans have been known to host parades, street fairs with Italian food and music to celebrate their heritage, while in countries like Mexico this date is used to honor and remember the first people of that land.
Controversy
The holiday is protested for celebrating an event that resulted in the colonization of the Americas, the beginning of the transatlantic slave trade, and murder and disease brought upon Indigenous people. Europeans brought diseases over to the Americas, leaving many Native Americans and European colonists dead. American Cities: Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Denver have officially changed Columbus Day for Indigenous People’s Day.
By Gabriel Guzman
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