Columbus Day Ecuador: October 11
Columbus Day is a public holiday in Ecuador.
Columbus Day (also called Día de la Raza) in Ecuador commemorates Christopher Columbus’s first successful voyage to the new world in 1492. Columbus’ voyages ushered in an era of exploration and European colonization that would forever change the way of life for native inhabitants of Ecuador. In recent years, the focus of this day has shifted and now primarily celebrates the culture of indigenous South American people.
History of Ecuador’s Columbus Day and Dia De La Raza Day
Also known as “Día de la Raza” (Day of the Race), Columbus Day in Ecuador celebrates the day in 1492 on which Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colón) first set foot on American soil in the Dominican Republic, as well as celebrating the culture an contribution of native cultures.
On August 3, 1492, Christopher Columbus, under the sponsorship of Spain’s Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, Columbus began his first voyage across the Atlantic in search of an alternate trading route to India. On October 12, 1492, land was spotted, and Columbus’ three ships landed on an island in the Bahamas, which he named San Salvador.
Over the next few months, Columbus and his crew explored the nearby islands of Cuba, Hispaniola, and Haiti. Leaving part of the crew to found a colony on Haiti, Columbus and his two remaining ships returned to Spain, landing in Lisbon, Portugal on March 4, 1493 before shortly returning to Spain. Columbus made three more voyages to the new world, in 1493, 1498, and 1502.
The modern celebration of Dia de la Raza and Columbus Day began in 1913 as a day designated for celebration of the “Spanish race” in Hispanic countries of Europe and Central and South America. In acknowledgement of the negative effects of European conquest and colonization, the celebration is increasingly becoming a time to focus on the contributions of indigenous groups.
Ecuadorian Columbus Day and Dia De La Raza Traditions, Customs and Activities
A variety of festivities take place throughout the country, including native music, dance, food, and art.
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