Día de la Raza

el 12 de octubre

Known as:Columbus Day-- United States

Día de la Raza-- many countries of L.A.Discovery Day--the Bahamas

Día de la Hispanidad (Fiesta Nacional)-- SpainDía de las Américas-- UruguayDía de las Culturas--Costa Rica

Día de la Resistencia Indígena--Venezuela

The History

• Celebrated since late 1800s, officially since early 1900.

• The Irish established St Pat’s Day

• Italians want to celebrate 400th anniversary of discovery

Why celebrate Columbus Day?

• Courage and navigational skills

• First to bring real contact between the new & old worlds

• Provide way of escape from European tyranny

• Transformed & enlarged world

• Shaped world history

Why celebrate Día de la Raza?

• Celebrates the many races present in Latino heritage

• Gives recognition to all ethnic groups & cultural heritage

• Fusion of cultures seen as positive

• Praise the uniqueness of the mestizo race

How to celebrate?

• Government offices & some businesses close.

• Military parades in Spain.• Cultural festivals, fairs,

performances• Events to highlight Hispanic

contributions to world• NYC has largest Columbus

Day parade in U.S.

Names tell us something

• Columbus Day (U.S.)• Día de la Raza (Argentina, Chile, Mexico,

Ecuador, Honduras…)• Día de las Culturas (C.R.)• Discovery Day (Bahamas)• Día de la Resistencia Indígena (Venezuela)

The Controversy

• When natives befriend, Europeans conquer

• Goal to gain wealth and impose culture

• Violence, subjugation, slavery

• “Most villainous day there could ever be in America.” (Mexican historian)

Results of Controversy

• More attention paid to plight of indigenous people• Improved working and living conditions• Recognition of contributions of indigenous groups• Official recognition of various languages• Some places no longer recognize the holiday.

What do you think?