Date
Sunday
Oct
12

October 12

Día de la Raza

Embrace and celebrate the diversity of cultures on Día de la Raza - a day to honor Hispanic heritage and all its vibrant traditions.

Yearly Date
October 12
Type
Day
Category
Cultural

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Latin America on October 12 for Día de la Raza, also known as Hispanic Heritage Day! This day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas in 1492, which marked the beginning of cultural exchange between Europe and the indigenous peoples of the region. Today, it is a time to honor and celebrate the diverse contributions and traditions of Latin American countries. From delicious food to colorful festivals, there are endless ways to join in on the festivities and embrace this vibrant culture. So let's come together and celebrate Día de la Raza with joy and pride!

Día de la Raza Timeline

1492
Columbus Arrives in America
Christopher Columbus lands in the Americas, initiating new eras of cultural exchange and exploration.
1917
Proposal of Día de la Raza
Former Argentine President, Hipólito Yrigoyen, proposes to celebrate Día de la Raza as an alternative to Columbus Day.
1928
First Día de la Raza Celebration
The first officially recognized Día de la Raza celebrations take place across Latin America.
1971
Mexico Redefines Holiday
Mexico redefines October 12 as Día de la Raza, emphasizing native cultures and rejecting the colonial implications of Columbus Day.
2002
Venezuela Changes Holiday's Name
Venezuela renames the holiday to Día de la Resistencia Indígena (Day of Indigenous Resistance) to honor indigenous peoples and their resistance.

How to Celebrate Día de la Raza

1

Attend a cultural festival

Celebrate Día de la Raza by attending a cultural festival in your community. These events often feature traditional music, dances, food, and other activities that showcase the diverse cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean.

2

Visit a museum or art exhibit

Learn more about the history and heritage of Día de la Raza by visiting a museum or art exhibit focused on Latin American and Caribbean cultures. This can be a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the holiday and its significance.

3

Host a potluck with traditional dishes

Gather friends and family together for a potluck featuring traditional dishes from different Latin American and Caribbean countries. This is a great way to celebrate the diversity of cultures and cuisines within the Hispanic community.

4

Attend a parade

Many cities host parades and other festivities on Día de la Raza. Check your local events calendar and join in the celebration by attending a parade or other community event.

5

Learn about indigenous cultures

Use Día de la Raza as an opportunity to learn more about the indigenous cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean. This can include reading books, watching documentaries, or attending lectures or workshops focused on indigenous traditions and customs.

Why We Love Día de la Raza

A

Celebrate diversity and culture

Día de la Raza, also known as Columbus Day, is a holiday that honors the cultural diversity of Latin America and recognizes the indigenous cultures that existed before the arrival of Europeans. It's a day to celebrate and appreciate the unique traditions, languages, and customs of different groups of people.

B

Commemorate resilience and strength

Día de la Raza also serves as a reminder to acknowledge and honor the struggles and resiliency of indigenous communities. It's an opportunity to reflect on how these cultures survived colonization and continue to thrive today.

C

Embrace unity and inclusion

Lastly, Día de la Raza promotes unity and inclusivity among different ethnicities and backgrounds. It's a day to come together as a community, foster understanding and respect for diverse cultures, and promote social harmony.

Día de la Raza Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Oct 11
Wednesday
2024
Oct 11
Friday
2025
Oct 11
Saturday
2026
Oct 11
Sunday
2027
Oct 11
Monday