October 12

Commemorated each October 12, Spain’s National Day traces its origins to Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. The day honors Spain’s history, culture, and the monarchy with a grand military parade in Madrid. The annual Cabalgata de la Hispanidad and other regional festivities showcase traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Public buildings and landmarks are decorated with the national flag, and official speeches underscore Spain’s role in global affairs. Citizens across the country engage in cultural exhibitions, family gatherings, and patriotic events.

On October 12, 1968, Equatorial Guinea declared independence from Spain, ending centuries of colonial administration. Celebrations include official ceremonies at the Presidential Palace in Malabo, military parades, and patriotic speeches. Citizens participate in cultural performances, traditional dances, and concerts featuring local musicians. Schools and government offices display the national flag and host educational events on the country's history. The holiday serves as a reminder of national sovereignty and the ongoing development of Equatorial Guinea.

October 12 is a national holiday in Brazil celebrating Our Lady of Aparecida, the Black Madonna revered by millions. The Basilica of the National Shrine in Aparecida hosts grand pilgrimages, attracting over six million visitors annually. Devotees offer prayers, candles and votive offerings, seeking intercession and giving thanks. The feast reflects Brazil’s rich religious heritage and diverse cultural traditions. Processions, religious services and community events emphasize faith, hope and unity. This observance unites people across social and cultural backgrounds in shared devotion.

Known locally as Día de la Raza, Columbus Day in Honduras honors the landing of Christopher Columbus on October 12, 1492. It is marked by official ceremonies, parades, cultural events and discussions of indigenous heritage. Schools and government offices are closed as communities celebrate with folkloric dances and exhibitions. The holiday also prompts reflection on the complex legacy of colonization in Latin America. Wreath-laying ceremonies, educational programs and art displays highlight both historical remembrance and contemporary diversity.

Spain's National Day, known as Día de la Hispanidad or Fiesta Nacional de España, marks the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas in 1492. Established in 1982, it also honors the modern Spanish Armed Forces with a grand military parade in Madrid's Plaza de Colón. The day includes official ceremonies presided over by the King of Spain and government officials, as well as cultural events showcasing regional costumes and traditions. Celebrations feature a flag-raising ceremony, military demonstrations, and popular concerts, drawing thousands of spectators each year.

Día de la Raza, observed on October 12, marks the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas and celebrates the shared cultural heritage of Spanish-speaking nations. First proclaimed in 1913, it emphasizes the historical ties formed through exploration and cultural exchange. In El Salvador and Uruguay, the day features parades, folkloric dance performances, and educational programs highlighting literature, music, and artistic traditions. While some countries have renamed or reinterpreted the day to acknowledge indigenous perspectives, El Salvador and Uruguay continue to honor this Spanish heritage under its original designation.

Instituted in 2002 by President Hugo Chávez, Día de la Resistencia Indígena replaces the traditional Columbus Day to recognize the struggles and resilience of Venezuela's indigenous communities. Observed on October 12, it highlights the cultural, social, and historical contributions of indigenous groups from pre-colonial times to the present day. The day features public ceremonies led by indigenous leaders, traditional dances, and workshops on ancestral crafts and customs. Schools and cultural centers organize exhibitions of indigenous art, storytelling sessions, and panel discussions on land rights and cultural preservation.

Día de las Américas, also known as Pan American Day, commemorates the founding of the Pan American Union in 1890 and promotes solidarity among the countries of North, Central, and South America. In Belize, it is observed as a public holiday featuring official flag-raising ceremonies, school presentations, and cultural exhibitions representing the continent's diverse peoples. Established by the Organization of American States (OAS), the day encourages dialogue on democracy, human rights, and regional development. Festivities include musical performances, parades, and speeches by diplomatic envoys highlighting shared goals.

Established in 1995, Costa Rica’s Día de las Culturas celebrates the blending of indigenous, European, African, and Asian traditions that shape the country's identity. Observed on October 12, the day features cultural fairs, traditional music and dance performances, and exhibitions of handicrafts and folk art. Schools and museums offer special workshops on indigenous customs and immigrant heritage. Community events foster dialogue on cultural diversity, encouraging Costa Ricans to explore and appreciate the multiple roots of their national identity.

Re-designated in 2010, Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural transforms the former Columbus Day into an observance that values Argentina’s multicultural identity. Celebrated on October 12, the day fosters respect and understanding of indigenous communities and immigrant contributions through public events and educational activities. Government offices, schools, and cultural institutions host workshops on native languages, crafts, and histories. Exhibitions and performances showcase the rich tapestry of Argentina’s ethnic traditions, underscoring a national commitment to human rights, intercultural dialogue, and social cohesion.