Columbus Day (Spanish: Día de la Hispanidad, but also Día del Pilar) is a holiday celebrated on 12 October. It commemorates the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492. In Spain, it is one of the most important national holidays.
Towards a New World
Columbus Day symbolises the beginning of the Empire, as well as a time when culture, language and Christianity flourished in the newly discovered lands. It is an opportunity to reflect on Spain’s cultural heritage and the ties that bind the country to Latin America.
It is also a symbolic moment for Spain, as Columbus’s discovery of America initiated an era of expansion, colonisation and cultural exchange. It was one of the most important events in the history of Europe and the world and had a huge impact on Spain’s development as a colonial power.
Columbus Day is also celebrated as Día de la Hispanidad. It is meant to symbolise the common heritage of all Spanish-speaking countries. On this day, the historical and cultural links of the Iberian people with Latin America are emphasised, as well as the unity of the Spanish nation. 12 October also marks the feast of Spain’s patron saint, the feast of Our Lady of Pilar, which adds a religious dimension to the celebration.
Celebrating together
The centrepiece of the celebrations is the military parade in Madrid. The main celebrations take place in the capital, where an impressive display of armed forces is organised, presided over by Spain’s King Felipe VI of Spain. The celebrations are attended by government representatives, including the Prime Minister and members of the royal family, as well as diplomats and dignitaries. The parade emphasises the national unity and strength of Spain as a state.
Alongside the festivities in the heart of Madrid, an integral part of the celebrations is the laying of flowers and tributes to Christopher Columbus. Flower-laying ceremonies are held in squares and at monuments commemorating this great explorer and in many places in Spain.
The religious celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Pilar is of a slightly different nature. In Aragon, especially in the city of Zaragoza, the celebration of this day has a special dimension, with processions and masses taking place during the festivities. It is one of the most important religious festivals in the region, bringing together thousands of the faithful to pay homage to their patron saint. In addition to the official celebrations, there are also local festivals, concerts, folk art shows and cultural events that highlight the diversity of Spain.
Many cities, museums and cultural institutions host exhibitions and educational events on the legacy of Spanish colonialism, geographical discoveries and Spain’s impact on the world. These events are reminders of both the glorious and difficult aspects of Spanish history.
A difficult legacy
Día de la Hispanidad is not without controversy, especially in the context of the contemporary debate on colonialism. In some Latin American countries, and even in Spain, there are criticisms of celebrating this day as a holiday. This is because it reminds us of the period of colonisation, which brought suffering to many indigenous peoples of the Americas. For some, especially in Latin America, 12 October is a day of mourning and reflection on the wrongs of colonisation.
Despite the controversy, Columbus Day remains an important holiday in Spain, where both history and national unity are celebrated. It is a day to reflect on Spain’s importance in the world and the impact of geographical discoveries on the development of civilisation, as well as a reminder of the strong ties with Spanish-speaking countries. For many Spaniards, it is also a time to reflect on the country’s future in the context of global change and integration with the rest of the world.
See also how other holidays are celebrated in Spain:
- Learn about Easter customs in Andalusia
- Semana Santa, or Holy Week in Spain
- Fish heads and roasted chestnuts. How do we celebrate All Saints’ Day in Andalusia?
- Discover interesting facts about Christmas in Spain
- Surprising Christmas traditions in Spain
