Day Of Respect For Cultural Diversity
Formerly known as Dia de la Raza, Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity is a holiday that’s observed in Argentina on the Second Monday of October – or the same day as Christopher Columbus Day which is observed in many other countries of the world.
Argentina (National holiday)This holiday marks the day when Christopher Columbus first landed in the Americas and first made contact with Native Americans in 1492. This day has been celebrated for over 104 years and is a celebratory day for some and a day of mourning for others depending on how they view European exploration of the Americas.
The History of the Day Of Respect For Cultural Diversity
When Christopher Columbus first set sail, he intended to find a western sea route from Europe to China, India, and the spice islands of Asia. Instead, he ended up in the Bahamas on October 12, 1492.
This made him the first European to explore the Americas since the Vikings had first established colonies in Newfoundland and Greenland during the 10th century. He then sighted Cuba and thought that it might be the mainland of China later that October.
Two months later, he found Hispaniola and immediately thought that it might be Japan. It was there that he established Spain’s first colony in the Americas. In March of 1493, he would return back to Spain with spices, gold, and Native American slaves he called Indians.
It wouldn’t be until his third journey that he would realize that he hadn’t reached Asia but had instead reached a previously unknown continent. In 1917, Argentina created the Day of Respect For Cultural Diversity around the day that Columbus first stumbled upon the Bahamas – an event that would eventually lead to European colonization of the Americas that would change them forever and forge the countries that exist today.
Observing The Day Of Respect For Cultural Diversity
On this day, many Argentinians get the day off so they can remember the history of their country. There are also parades and other special events that honor the rich heritage of Argentina.
Argentina (National holiday)
