October 12 has traditionally been known as Columbus Day, a date that commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in America in 1492. This day was established in much of Latin America, Spain, and the United States to highlight the encounter and cultural fusion between indigenous peoples and European colonizers.
However, in recent years, several countries have reconsidered the meaning of this commemoration, and in Mexico, as of 2020, it was no longer officially celebrated as Columbus Day and is now recognized as the Day of the Pluricultural Nation.
The origin of Columbus Day
The celebration of Columbus Day arose at the beginning of the 20th century as a way to remember the “meeting of two worlds,” which resulted in the mixing of cultures, ideas, and traditions between indigenous Americans and European colonizers.
The former Secretary of Public Education of Mexico, José Vasconcelos, was one of the main promoters of this commemoration under the concept of “cultural syncretism.”
In Mexico, the holiday was institutionalized in 1929, under the government of Venustiano Carranza, and was celebrated every October 12 as a symbol of mestizaje. However, over time, this concept began to be questioned by sectors of society that considered that this date also represented the colonization and oppression of indigenous peoples.
Why did Mexico stop celebrating Columbus Day?
In December 2020, during the six-year term of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a decree was published that officially transformed October 12 into the Day of the Pluricultural Nation. This change aims to recognize the cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity of Mexico, especially valuing the indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples who are part of its historical wealth.
The name change responds to the need to leave behind a celebration that many saw as a reminder of colonization, subjugation and the elimination of pre-Columbian cultures. Instead of celebrating the “discovery of America,” it was decided to commemorate indigenous resistance and claim the rights of native communities.
October 12 as the Day of Indigenous Resistance
Today, October 12 is commemorated in Mexico and other Latin American countries as the Day of Indigenous Resistance. This approach seeks to highlight the struggle and resilience of indigenous peoples, recognizing the challenges they have faced since the arrival of the colonizers until today.
On this day, days of struggle and vindication are held to ensure respect for their territorial and cultural rights, as well as the recognition of their contribution to national diversity.
The Decade of Indigenous Languages
As part of this effort to value and preserve cultural diversity, the United Nations General Assembly established the Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032, and Mexico was chosen as the venue for high-level international events related to this initiative. The goal is to protect and revitalize indigenous languages, many of which are at risk of disappearing.
October 12 is no longer celebrated in Mexico as Columbus Day, but rather as a day to remember the plurality and resistance of indigenous peoples. With the Day of the Pluricultural Nation, the country recognizes its cultural diversity and seeks to repair the legacy of oppression that marked much of its history. This transformation reflects an effort to look to the future with greater respect for the communities that have contributed to the formation of Mexican identity.
Source: infobae
