“Columbus Day,” celebrated in the United States on the second Monday of October to commemorate the arrival of Christopher Columbus in America, has undergone significant evolution in Mexico. While it’s an official national holiday in the U.S., the celebration is different in Mexico and has been a subject of reflection and change, especially in recent years.
Columbus Day in the United States: A National Holiday
In the United States, “Columbus Day” is an official national holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October. This commemoration marks October 12, 1492, when Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas. However, in recent years, the celebration has sparked controversy due to the historical implications of colonization and its impact on Indigenous populations.
Some states and cities have chosen to rename and refocus the day, calling it “Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” to recognize the cultures and civilizations that existed long before Columbus’ arrival. This shift aims to bring visibility to history from a perspective that not only highlights the discovery but also the consequences of European colonization in the Americas.
In Mexico, It Is Not an Official Holiday
Unlike the United States, “Columbus Day” is not recognized as an official holiday in Mexico. There is no nationwide work stoppage or official celebrations around this date. However, historically, October 12 held special significance in Mexico under the name “Día de la Raza” (Day of the Race), a celebration recognizing the cultural blending that followed the arrival of the Spaniards in America.
This designation and focus began to change as the country became more aware of its multicultural heritage and the consequences of the conquest for Indigenous populations. Over time, “Día de la Raza” ceased to be the main reference for this date in the Mexican context.
ALSO READ. Airbnb Offers Free Homes for Those Affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton
The Change from “Día de la Raza” to “Día de la Nación Pluricultural”
In 2020, Mexico made a definitive shift in how October 12 is commemorated. The Senate of the Republic unanimously approved a decree declaring October 12 as “Día de la Nación Pluricultural” (Day of the Pluricultural Nation). This change marked the end of the celebration under the name “Día de la Raza” and established a more inclusive and representative focus.
The objective of this change is to highlight the “multicultural, multiethnic, and multilingual richness that characterizes Mexico.” Senator Xóchitl Gálvez of the PAN also praised the new designation of this date, stating that this commemoration “does justice to the long journey toward recognizing Indigenous peoples.” The celebration now revolves around respecting and acknowledging the various cultures that shape Mexican identity.
Acknowledging Diversity
The change from “Día de la Raza” to “Día de la Nación Pluricultural” reflects Mexico’s social evolution and its commitment to respecting and including all the cultures that form part of its social fabric. Unlike the United States, where Columbus Day is a national holiday, in Mexico, this date has transformed into a time of recognition and pride for the diversity that characterizes the nation.
Instead of celebrating Columbus’ arrival, Mexico acknowledges the resilience, cultural richness, and diversity of the Indigenous peoples who have endured for centuries, forming an essential part of the country’s national identity.
