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COSTA RICA |
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October 12,
One Holiday, Many Names
Today marks the 517th anniversary of
Christopher Columbus's arrival in the
Americas, which occurred on October 12 1492.
The day is a holiday that is celebrated
across the Americas under many different
names.
The day is celebrated as Columbus Day in the
United States, as Día de las Culturas (Day
of the Cultures) in Costa Rica, as Día de la
Hispanidad and Fiesta Nacional in Spain, as
Día de las Américas (Day of the Americas) in
Uruguay, as Discovery Day in The Bahamas and
as Día de la Resistencia Indígena (Day of
Indigenous Resistance) in Venezuela.
These holidays have been celebrated
unofficially since the late 18th century,
and officially in various countries since
the early 20th century.
In Costa Rica, the holiday's name was
changed from Día de la Raza to Día de las
Culturas in 1994, because of the racial
undertones behind the use of the word "raza"
(race).
The change was in recognition of the strong
influence on present-day Costa Rican culture
by the Indians, Europeans, Africans and
Asians who have settled and lived here
throughout history.
The day is a "feriado" (holiday). Banks,
schools, government offices, embassies and
many businesses are closed. Although it is a
holiday, it is not one of "pago obligatorio",
meaning that only salaried employees get the
benefit of a paid holiday. Hourly or day
employees may have the day off, but it will
be up to each individual employer if they
wish to pay the day to their employees.
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