Why is Columbus Day celebrated in Mexico? | 2023

October 12 is a date of great importance in Mexico and many other Latin American countries. On this day the Day of the Race is celebrated, a commemoration that seeks to recognize and reflect on the historical encounter between different cultures and the legacy left by the arrival of Christopher Columbus to America. In Mexico, this date acquires a special meaning due to the rich mix of cultures and races that make up its national identity. In this article, we will explore the history, meaning, and celebrations of Columbus Day in Mexico .

History and Context

The historical context of Columbus Day in Mexico dates back to the period of Spanish colonization in America. After the " Discovery of America " by Christopher Columbus in 1492, the Spanish began a process of exploration and conquest in search of wealth and power. During this period, Mexico, then known as New Spain, became a Spanish colony and was subjected to domination and exploitation by the European conquerors.

The arrival of the Spanish in Mexico and the encounter with the existing indigenous cultures in the territory marked a turning point in the history of the region. The Spanish, led by Hernán Cortés , encountered highly developed civilizations, such as the Aztecs, which had a complex social structure, advanced political systems, and significant cultural achievements. However, the military superiority of the Spanish and their introduction of diseases brought from Europe , to which the Native Americans had no immunity, caused the decline of the indigenous population and the fall of the pre-Columbian empires.

During the colonial period, the Spanish imposed their language, religion (Catholicism), and system of government on the region. A caste system was established that classified people based on their ethnic origin, which gave rise to a hierarchical society marked by racial discrimination. The Spaniards and their direct descendants (criollos) occupied the highest levels of the social pyramid, while the indigenous and Afro-descendants were found in the lower layers.

This mix of cultures and races over the centuries created a unique and diverse Mexican identity. Miscegenation, the product of the union between Spaniards and indigenous people, became a fundamental part of the national identity. As time passed, a multicultural and multiracial society was formed in Mexico, where different ethnic and cultural groups coexisted and contributed to the development of the country.

Columbus Day emerged as a way to commemorate and reflect on this historic encounter between European and indigenous cultures, acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects. Currently, the celebration has become an occasion to promote unity, tolerance and appreciation of cultural diversity in Mexico. It is a moment to recognize the richness of the different traditions, languages and customs present in the country and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

In Mexico it is celebrated as a day to recognize and value the cultural and ethnic diversity of the country. Instead of focusing solely on the legacy of colonization, this date has become an opportunity to honor the contributions of all the cultures that have shaped the Mexican identity. In many parts of Mexico, especially in areas with a strong indigenous presence, special celebrations and activities are held to commemorate Columbus Day. These celebrations usually include parades, folk dances, craft displays, traditional music, and typical food. It is a moment for indigenous communities to show their cultural richness and promote respect and appreciation of their ancestral traditions.

Columbus Day is also an opportunity to reflect on the country's rich ethnic and cultural diversity. Mexico is home to a wide range of ethnic groups, including mestizos ( Spanish and indigenous descendants), indigenous people, people of African descent, and communities of European, Asian, and other world descent.

It is important to recognize and value the contribution of all these cultures in the construction of the Mexican identity. Each ethnic group has its own history, traditions, languages, and ways of life, and all of them are an integral part of the cultural mosaic of Mexico. Columbus Day is an opportunity to promote respect, inclusion, and equality among all Mexicans, regardless of their ethnic origin.

Challenges and opportunities

While Columbus Day in Mexico is an occasion to celebrate diversity and promote inclusion, it is also important to recognize the challenges faced by some ethnic communities in the country. Many indigenous communities, for example, still struggle to preserve their traditions, languages, and cultural rights. Discrimination and inequality persist in some sectors of Mexican society, preventing all ethnic groups from enjoying the same opportunities and rights.

It is essential that Columbus Day not only be a celebration, but also a call to action. It is the responsibility of all Mexicans to work together to build a more just and inclusive society, where all cultures and races are respected and valued. This implies guaranteeing access to education, equal employment opportunities, respect for human rights and the promotion of tolerance and diversity.