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Columbus Day or Day of the Race |
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In parts of North and South America, October 12th is the holiday recognized when the controversial explorer and conqueror, Christopher Columbus arrived in the western hemisphere in 1492 and is referred to as Columbus Day (Día de Columbus). But in Mexico, the day is called El Día de la Raza (Day of the Race) and focuses on honoring the ethnic diversity of its people instead of the expansion of European civilization through the efforts of the Spanish crown. It was as early as 1836 when Oaxacan historian Don Maria de Bustamente termed the October 12th, 1492 arrival as "the most villainous day there could ever be in America; the day it's slavery was established." Since 1928, October 12th has been recognized as Columbus Day in Mexico and Central America.
What is amazing is Columbus never knew he had arrived on a new continent. He always thought that he had made it to India, and as a result of this error, the Native Americans became known as Indians. He was however, the first to establish contact between then Renaissance Europe and the indigenous peoples he encountered. Supported by the Spanish monarchy, he completed four (4) voyages that eventually instigated the Spanish colonization of the New World, the Americas. Columbus Day has raised not just praise but also skepticism, as it serves as a reminder of conflicts that arose later between Spanish conquerors and indigenous peoples. This discovery was of such great importance that it forever changed the mentality of both worlds, although not without consequences. On one (1) hand, there was a vast cultural development, and on the other, catastrophic costs to the native populations.
Now, 500+ years later, whether one believes that the chance event was a blessing or a curse, we celebrate the actions and influences of all the people who came after Columbus, who melded their European culture with the indigenous cultures and, with difficulty, blood and years of battle, misunderstandings and treachery, have created the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic society we now celebrate!
The largest difference of the impact of the Europeans arrival between Mexico and South America and North America is where the colonists systematically exterminated the native population in North America, Mexico assimilated the conquerors, their language, religion, and government, while keeping to their own traditions. Columbus' arrival unfortunately paved the way for the devastating exploitation and plunder of the New World's resources and its people, destruction of the Inca and Aztec civilizations, bringing slavery, disease, and 300 years of Spanish occupation.
Today, the Mexican Columbus Day typically involves an array of live music and a carnival in central San Miguel. If you are visiting the island on October 12th, there is plenty of entertainment for families and children.
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Copyright 2000 - 2024 Sherri Davis, All Rights Reserved. Contributors retain the copyright to their work. Please do not take art or written content without permission. Other graphics and reference materials are used and attributed as per the Fair Use Provision of The Copyright Act and individual terms of use.
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