Annually, on October 12, Hondurans celebrate the Discovery of America Day, recognizing Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492. This day holds prominent historical and cultural importance in Honduras, as it was the start of European travel and colonization throughout the Americas. However, in recent years, the recognition of Columbus Day as a holiday has been questioned and debated. Exploring the origins of the Discovery of America Day in Honduras, how Hondurans celebrate the day, and the controversy surrounding Columbus Day can reveal the layered nature of this holiday.
Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer, made landfall in Honduras in 1502. He named the mainland “Honduras” for the deep water that lay off the coast. It is important to note that this was the first recorded European connection to what is now Central America. As he did in the Caribbean, Christopher Columbus encountered and colonized indigenous people before discovering the New World.
Observed for the first time in 1921 by President Juan Vicente Gómez, El Día de la Raza (Day of the Race) celebrates the integration of European and indigenous cultures. The day aims for Hondurans to commemorate their culture and recognize a national history shift. However, various people and parts of the world, including myself, argue that the colonization and forced blending of cultures is nothing to celebrate. The celebration of this day maintains the colonialist agenda found in Christopher Columbus’s actions while overlooking the cruelty and abominations the indigenous people encountered during Columbus’s discovery and colonization.
Many countries, including Honduras, indigenous communities, and critics of the holiday have called for a reevaluation of the day. Columbus’s exploration led to the disempowering and suffocation of indigenous people through enslavement, sexual violence, and death. Instead, Hondurans have celebrated their cultural heritage and indigenous communities. In an article from National Today, it is noted that “Discovery of America Day is traditionally celebrated in Honduras with parades, bullfights, and, of course, scrumptious feasts.” There have also been programs to discuss and inform Hondurans about the truth surrounding Columbus Day and the country's heritage. Despite the colonialist issues, Hondurans find joy in their celebrations and feasts on this day. It has evolved into a day that does not celebrate Christopher Columbus but rather the rich cultural diversity between Indigenous, African, and European cultures.
Promoting awareness for the indigenous communities and cultures affected by the colonization of the Europeans is vital to understanding their contributions to the nation’s identity. The Discovery of America Day in Honduras is controversial due to its historical meaning and original purpose. It will forever be a reminder of Christopher Columbus’s global exploration. Still, we should not ignore his treatment of the indigenous people of Honduras and the Americas during this time. In Honduras, as many still celebrate the day, it is essential to honor the day by paying homage to the indigenous communities, their culture, and the fallen indigenous people during the colonization of their land. Rather than “celebrating” Christopher Columbus, it should be a day filled with paying respects to the natives and celebrating the nation's identity.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.