Every year around October 12, countries across Latin America pause to celebrate and reflect on their heritage and identity. Historically known as Día de la Raza (“Day of the Race”), this date commemorates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. Over time, however, the meaning and even the name of this day have evolved significantly across different nations. What was once a tribute to Columbus’s “discovery” and the ensuing mixing of cultures is now, in many places, reinterpreted as a day to honor cultural diversity, indigenous peoples, and the rich tapestry of Latin American heritage. Today, depending on where you are, October 12 might be observed as Hispanic Heritage Day, Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity, Encounter of Two Worlds, Indigenous Resistance Day, or other names, each with its own nuance and emphasis.

This article explores how several Latin American countries commemorate this occasion, focusing on the evolution of Día de la Raza and its regional adaptations in places like Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and beyond. We’ll also see how Argentina’s observance, often moved to create a long weekend, sometimes falls on October 10, coinciding with Cuba’s Independence Day celebration. Through these examples, we discover how these commemorations have transformed to reflect modern values of cultural diversity, national pride, and identity.

Origins of Día de la Raza: From Columbus to “La Raza Cósmica”

The concept of Día de la Raza emerged in the early 20th century as Latin American nations and Spain sought to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage. The term “La Raza” (literally “the race”) was coined by a Spanish minister, Faustino Rodríguez-San Pedro, who, as president of the Ibero-American Union, organized the first “Fiesta de la Raza” in 1914. The idea celebrated the heritage shared by Spain and Latin America, essentially the birth of a new mestizo identity from the encounter of Europeans and the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Mexican scholar José Vasconcelos popularized this concept in his 1925 essay La Raza Cósmica, envisioning the peoples of Latin America as a “cosmic race” formed by the blending of all races. By the 1910s and 1920s, many countries had begun marking October 12 as Día de la Raza: Argentina first celebrated it in 1917, Venezuela and Colombia in 1921, Chile in 1923, and Mexico in 1928. It was originally conceived as a celebration of Hispanic influence in the Americas, a day to extol the common bond between the Old World and the New.

However, even as the notion of a shared Hispanic heritage was being officially honored, voices of critique were growing. The very name “Day of the Race” would later be questioned for its racial implications. What Día de la Raza celebrated, the encuentro (encounter) of two worlds, also meant the beginning of colonization, and with it the violent subjugation of indigenous and African peoples in the Americas. By the late 20th century, a new perspective emerged: instead of uncritical celebration, October 12 should be a time of remembrance, respect, and reflection on the historical injustices that followed 1492. In 1992, on the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage, many Latin American societies openly questioned the old narrative, highlighting “500 years of colonial oppression… genocide, [and] persecution of indigenous cultures” rather than a “discovery” to glorify. This shift in thinking set the stage for several countries to rename and reframe the holiday in the decades that followed.

Various Names for October 12 Across Latin America: (the holiday formerly known as Día de la Raza now carries different names that reflect each nation’s viewpoint):

Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural – Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity (Argentina, renamed in 2010).

Día del Encuentro de Dos Mundos – Day of the Meeting of Two Worlds (Chile, adopted in 2000 to replace the old “Discovery of America” anniversary).

Día de la Resistencia Indígena – Day of Indigenous Resistance (Venezuela since 2002; also, Nicaragua, emphasizing indigenous and Afro-descendant resistance).

Día de la Descolonización – Day of Decolonization (Bolivia, since 2011, highlighting the end of colonial rule).

Día de la Nación Pluricultural – Day of the Pluricultural Nation (Mexico, officially renamed in 2020).

Día de la Hispanidad – Hispanic Heritage Day (Spain’s National Day on Oct 12, and the name is still used in some countries like Guatemala).

These are just a few examples. Despite the different titles, they all date back to the same historical event and have become a prism through which each country honors its cultural heritage, whether by celebrating unity or by remembering struggle.

Argentina: Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural – Respect for Cultural Diversity

Argentina provides a clear example of how the narrative of October 12 has been redefined. In 1917, President Hipólito Yrigoyen established October 12 as Día de la Raza in Argentina, joining other nations in commemorating the so-called “Day of the Race.” For much of the 20th century, Argentines marked the date in this traditional way. However, by the early 21st century, Argentina chose to break decisively with the old terminology. In 2010, then-President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner signed Decree 1584 to officially change the name of the October 12 holiday from “Day of the Race” to “Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity”. This change was not just semantic; it signified a new ethos for the observance. The decree explicitly stated that renaming the holiday was meant to “highlight and commemorate the deaths of indigenous peoples” and to give the date a meaning aligned with human rights and the value of ethnic and cultural diversity in Argentina. In other words, Argentina transformed the day from a tribute to Columbus into a recognition of the country’s multicultural roots and a reflection on the historic wrongs of colonization.

In modern Argentina, Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural is a national holiday and an occasion for education and remembrance. Cultural events and school activities emphasize Argentina’s mix of indigenous, European, and other immigrant influences. It’s also a time to acknowledge the injustices indigenous communities faced since 1492 and to celebrate the resilience and contributions of those communities. The change in tone is significant: what was once a one-sided celebration is now a more inclusive commemoration.

Notably, Argentina often observes the holiday on a nearby Monday to create a long weekend (a feriado trasladable or movable feast). For example, if October 12 falls mid-week, the day off might be moved to the following Monday. In 2023, the holiday was observed on Monday, October 9; in 2025, the government scheduled it for Monday, October 13, with an extra “bridge holiday” on Friday, October 10 to allow a four-day weekend. This October 10 date is interesting because it coincides with another important historical celebration in the region: Cuba’s Independence Day.

Cuba: October 10 – Independence Day and a Shared Date

While not directly related to Columbus or Día de la Raza, Cuba’s major historical celebration in early October provides a compelling parallel to the heritage days elsewhere. October 10 is celebrated in Cuba as Independence Day (Día de la Independencia), marking the start of the island’s struggle for freedom from Spanish colonial rule. On October 10, 1868, patriot Carlos Manuel de Céspedes launched the Grito de Yara, a declaration of Cuban independence that ignited the Ten Years’ War against Spain. This date is a national holiday in Cuba, also known as the Anniversary of the Beginning of the War of Independence, and it commemorates the courage of those who fought for Cuba’s liberation. Every year, Cubans remember October 10, 1868, as the first step toward the eventual formation of an independent Cuban republic (which was achieved decades later, in 1898). The day is marked by patriotic ceremonies, remembrances of national heroes, and displays of the Cuban flag.

The coincidence of dates in some years is worth noting. In Argentina, when the Columbus/Heritage Day holiday gets moved to October 10 (as happened in 2022 and on the 2025 long weekend), it means Argentines are commemorating cultural diversity on the same date that Cubans are celebrating their independence. This overlap is a reminder of how interconnected the Latin American historical calendar can be. Both observances, in their own way, celebrate freedom and identity: Cuba’s marking of freedom from colonial Spain, and Argentina’s (along with other countries’) celebration of identity free from an outdated colonial narrative. It’s a happy accident of the calendar that underscores a shared theme of liberation and pride across borders.

Chile: Encuentro de Dos Mundos – The “Meeting of Two Worlds”

Chile offers another distinct approach to October 12. For decades, Chile (like many countries) officially called the day the “Anniversary of the Discovery of America” and informally Día de la Raza. But in the year 2000, Chile chose a new name that would recast the meaning of the celebration. The day is now officially Día del Encuentro de Dos Mundos, meaning “Day of the Encounter of Two Worlds”. This terminology frames October 12 as the anniversary of a meeting between different civilizations, rather than a one-sided “discovery.” The change, implemented in 2000, replaced the older Eurocentric phrasing that had been in use since 1922.

Moai statues on Easter Island, Chile, are a reminder of the rich indigenous cultures that predate Columbus. Chile now observes October 12 as the “Encounter of Two Worlds,” honoring both its European and native heritage.

In Chile, Encuentro de Dos Mundos is a national holiday that, like Argentina’s, honors the indigenous peoples of the Americas and the cultural convergence that followed Columbus’s arrival. By speaking of an “encounter,” the name acknowledges that two sides were involved: the Europeans and the native inhabitants. The tone of Chile’s commemoration is thus more balanced; it’s a recognition of the diversity that arose from that historical moment, without outright celebrating conquest. Public ceremonies may include tributes to indigenous groups, discussions about intercultural dialogue, and educational events that reflect on Chile’s mixed heritage. The day is an opportunity for Chileans to celebrate the contributions of indigenous peoples (from the Mapuche in mainland Chile to the Rapa Nui of Easter Island, pictured above) as well as those of the Spanish and other immigrant communities that together shaped modern Chile.

Mexico: Día de la Raza and the Shift Toward a Pluricultural Nation

Mexico has long observed October 12 as Día de la Raza, and the day holds traditional significance as a celebration of Mexico’s blended heritage. In fact, it was Mexican educator and philosopher José Vasconcelos, as Minister of Education, who, in 1928, helped institutionalize October 12 in Mexico with the idea of showcasing the cultural syncretism born from the meeting of two continents. For much of the 20th century, Mexico’s Día de la Raza was presented in schools and public life as a celebration of the nation’s mestizo identity, highlighting pride in a heritage that merges indigenous roots with Spanish (and African) influences. Statues of Columbus were erected (such as the one that stood on Mexico City’s Paseo de la Reforma), and ceremonies often emphasized the “union” of two worlds.

In recent years, however, Mexico too has reexamined the meaning of this date. The traditional view has increasingly met with critique and calls for a more inclusive narrative. In some parts of the country, October 12 has been a day of protests and marches, where activists point out that Columbus’s legacy for indigenous peoples was one of conquest and oppression. Reflecting these changing attitudes, the Mexican federal government made a symbolic change in 2020: by presidential decree, October 12 is now officially titled Día de la Nación Pluricultural (“Day of the Pluricultural Nation”). This new name underscores Mexico’s identity as a nation of many cultures, acknowledging that its strength comes from the plurality of its indigenous peoples and all ethnic groups, rather than from any notion of a single “race.” Along with the name change, Mexico City removed the prominent Columbus statue in 2020; it was eventually replaced with a replica of the pre-Hispanic Young Woman of Amajac statue, a tribute to indigenous women.

It’s worth noting that in Mexico, October 12 is not a public holiday (no day off for most workers), but it remains an important observance. Schools often conduct special programs about the encounter of two worlds, and many people still refer to it as Día de la Raza in everyday conversation. The evolution in Mexico encapsulates the broader trend: even as the country maintains pride in its Hispanic and mixed heritage, it is increasingly mindful of honoring the pre-Columbian civilizations and multicultural fabric that underpin its identity. By calling itself a Pluricultural Nation, Mexico affirms that its heritage isn’t monolithic; it’s a rich mosaic of Maya, Aztec, Zapotec, Nahua, and dozens of other indigenous cultures alongside the Spanish and other influences that arrived after 1492.

Embracing Diversity, Identity, and Modern Values

Across Latin America, the trajectory from Día de la Raza to the various modern incarnations of October 12 reflects a powerful shift in values. The day has transformed from a Eurocentric celebration of discovery into a platform for cultural reflection and inclusion. Countries like Argentina and Chile now use the occasion to promote respect for multiculturalism and to acknowledge historical truths about colonization. Others, like Venezuela, Bolivia, and Peru, explicitly honor indigenous resistance and decolonization on this date, ensuring that the voices of native peoples are front and center. Even in countries where the name Día de la Raza persists, the conversation around the day has broadened to include critical perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of history.

This evolution parallels a wider recognition of Hispanic heritage beyond Latin America’s borders as well. In the United States, for instance, Hispanic Heritage Month is observed each year from September 15 to October 15, a period that pointedly includes October 12. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the history and cultural contributions of Latino communities in the U.S., and its timing intentionally overlaps with the independence days of several Latin American countries in mid-September and the legacy of Columbus Day (or Indigenous Peoples’ Day, as it’s increasingly known) in October. By 2025, this month-long observance will have become a nationwide tribute to diversity, demonstrating how the celebration of Latin American heritage has expanded globally. The conversations happening during Hispanic Heritage Month, about cultural pride, identity, and historical awareness, echo the very themes that Latin American nations emphasize on October 12 under their varied names.

In today’s interconnected world, these commemorations are not confined by geography. Latin American diasporas around the globe partake in the celebrations, whether it’s Colombian communities in Canada observing Día de la Raza y de la Hispanidad, or Bolivian and Peruvian communities in Europe hosting events for Decolonization Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Such activities help maintain a cultural bridge between those living abroad and their countries of origin. In this context, modern technology and services play a subtle yet important role. Families separated by borders often use digital platforms to share stories, send support, or even wire gifts and remittances to honor these occasions. These connections reinforce that heritage and identity are living bonds, nurtured by communication and support across continents.

At sendvalu, we’re proud to help make those connections possible. Whether it’s sending money to assist loved ones, topping up a relative’s phone so they can share in a celebration, or sending a digital gift card as a thoughtful gesture, we believe that every transfer is more than a transaction; it’s a way of preserving cultural ties and celebrating heritage, wherever life takes you.

Heritage, Identity, and the Journey Forward

From Hispanic Heritage Day to Indigenous Resistance Day, the spectrum of names for October 12 in Latin America tells a story of changing times. The original Día de la Raza concept, born over a century ago, has been reinterpreted to align with contemporary values of diversity, historical truth, and inclusion. What remains constant is the commitment to honoring heritage and identity. Whether it’s Argentina’s respectful reflection on cultural diversity, Chile’s notion of two worlds meeting, Mexico’s pride in being a pluricultural nation, or Cuba’s celebration of independence and freedom, each country finds meaning in the history of October 12 that resonates with its people today. These observances encourage dialogue about the past, recognition of the rich cultural mosaic in the present, and hope for unity and respect in the future.

In a world that is continually reckoning with history, Latin America’s evolving October 12 commemorations serve as an educational reminder: understanding where we come from, with all its complexities, is key to forging a shared identity that values cultural diversity and human dignity. As Hispanic Heritage Month and related celebrations gain global visibility, the message spreads further. This October, wherever you find yourself, be it in the Americas or abroad, take a moment to appreciate the diverse threads that make up Hispanic and Latin American heritage. The names of the holiday may differ from one country to another, but the underlying principle is universal: celebrating the multitude of cultures and histories that connect us, and remembering that our “encounter of two worlds” is an ongoing journey of growth, understanding, and mutual respect.

Keep your cultural ties alive, no matter the distance. Explore our global network of countries and services.

Sources:

Buenos Aires Herald – Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity: the history behind this year’s long weekend

Spanish Language Blog (Transparent) – 12 de Octubre: Día de la Resistencia Indígena

Office Holidays – Meeting of the Worlds in Chile in 2025

Office Holidays – Independence Day in Cuba in 2025

El País – Race Day? Decolonization Day? Latin America has many names, and questions, for October 12

TimeandDate – Day of Race 2025 in Mexico

Wikipedia – Columbus Day