Colombia celebrates today what is known in the U.S. as Columbus Day, with a clear focus on embracing its vast cultural diversity. This holiday has evolved from the celebration of the so-called “Day of the Race,” (Dia de la Raza) a term that was exclusionary and imposed, to what is now recognized as the “Day of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity of the Colombian Nation” (Dia de la Diversidad Etnica y Cultural de la Nacion Colombiana)
For years, Colombia has marked this day as one of reflection on the convergence of cultures, the diversity, and the blending that shape its national identity. The commemoration has deep historical roots, and its evolution reflects a growing awareness of Colombia’s cultural plurality and a commitment to embracing all the cultures that make up the nation.
Columbus Day in Colombia, from Day of the Race to Ethnic and Cultural Diversity Day
Colombia observes Columbus Day every Oct. 12 as a day of inclusion and pluralism, acknowledging the Spanish influence without overshadowing the other cultures and languages that shape the nation’s identity.
Originally known as “Dia de la Raza” (Race Day), this holiday was established in several Latin American countries and Spain to commemorate Oct. 12, 1492, the day Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas. This event marked the beginning of a new era in the continent’s history, as it was the first lasting contact between Europe and the Americas. However, this “new era” also introduced a period of colonization, domination, and exploitation that had devastating effects on indigenous and African cultures.
In 1913, former Argentine president Hipólito Yrigoyen was one of the first to propose the term “Race Day” to honor this event, aiming to emphasize the cultural ties between Spain and Latin America. The idea was promoted by Spaniard Faustino Rodriguez-San Pedro, president of the Ibero-American Union, and eventually adopted by many countries, including Colombia. This reflected the dominant sentiment of Spanish-origin culture in Latin America at the time. In fact, Colombia officially recognized the holiday in 1914.
During this period, the commemoration had a predominantly Eurocentric perspective, celebrating the concept of “race” as a Hispanic civilization born from the mix between Europeans and indigenous peoples. However, it largely overlooked the negative consequences of colonization and ignored the cultural diversity that extended beyond this mestizaje. The histories of indigenous communities, Afro-descendants, and other groups were significantly neglected.
Evolution of Oct. 12 in Colombia and Latin America
In Colombia, as in other Latin American nations, this celebration gradually came under scrutiny, particularly as awareness of the impact of colonization on indigenous and Afro-descendant communities grew. Throughout the 20th century, various social and academic movements began to challenge the narrative of the “discovery” of the Americas and emphasized the need to recognize the peoples who already inhabited the continent long before European arrival.
In line with this shift in perspective, the “Day of the Race” evolved into a more inclusive commemoration, focusing on the meeting of diverse cultures rather than just the Spanish influence. In this context, many countries, including Colombia, decided to rename and reframe the Oct. 12 holiday, provoking widespread debates.
For example, Chile renamed the celebration as the “Day of the Encounter of Two Worlds”; Argentina chose the “Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity”; Nicaragua, taking a more defiant stance, named it the “Day of Indigenous, Black, and Popular Resistance”; and Venezuela, following Nicaragua’s example, designated it the “Day of Indigenous Resistance.”
In Colombia, the Ministry of Culture pushed for a name change in 2021, during the presidency of Ivan Duque, though its approval was delayed until 2023. Since then, Oct. 12 has officially been recognized as the “Day of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity of the Colombian Nation.”
Oct. 12, a space for diversity
Colombia is a nation of immense ethnic and cultural diversity. It is home to over 80 indigenous peoples, as well as Afro-descendant, Palenquero, and Raizal communities, along with mestizos, whites, and other ethnic groups. This diversity is one of Colombia’s greatest strengths and is crucial to understanding its national identity.
As a result, the celebration of Oct. 12 in Colombia cannot simply commemorate the arrival of Europeans; it must honor all the cultures that have shaped the nation’s social fabric. Similarly, the opposing view that solely glorifies the pre-Columbian heritage while denying the undeniable Spanish influence on Colombia’s culture and language is not widely embraced.
In Colombia, Oct. 12 serves as a moment to reflect on the process of mestizaje and cultural syncretism that has given rise to a rich and multifaceted national identity. Rather than viewing this day as a celebration of colonialism, it has been reinterpreted as an opportunity to recognize and value the contributions of all ethnic groups — indigenous, African, and European — that have shaped modern Colombia.
