October 12nd of 1492. More than two months of navigation after, when, they say, everyone almost lose any hope, the cabin boy Rodrigo de Triana yelled: Land on sight!
Here began the successful history of Castile's conquer of America building an empire that endured until 1898. An empire that, under c.XXI criteria, was quite negative specially for all natives of this new continent (it's named genocide and it's not a joke) but, on the other hand, at least helped to us all catalombians to share at least one language (which was very useful for me when I met the girl that lately became my wife).
Centuries came and someone decided to make this day THE holiday of Spain, which was celebrated all along America, named "Día de la Hispanidad" (Hispanity Day) or "Día de la Raza" (Race Day) (I assume that it's named Columbus Day just in USA). But I must say that this one about "... la Raza" is just the worst idea you may have to name a holiday (if you are not Borat). But it also sounds quite weird for me because there cannot be any pure hispanic not in America (creole by definition) and not in Iberian peninsula (like in my case). Just remind that Iberian Peninsula has been invaded by any empire on hand (just like being the most famous brothel of two entire continents)
But it's not just its name what upsets me about this holiday. It's the idea of let it be THE BIG holiday of Spain. I mean... I accept that we catalans celebrate celebrate a BIG defeat (which is not, no way, as I told last September 11th).
Just check another blog of mine with a post where I suggested some other dates for this holiday:
Ahir no va ser la meva festa (ca)
And it's even surrealist that all TV stations follow COMPLETELY this silly militar parade (is it necessary, having a specific day for it called "Día de las Fuerzas Armadas"?) that even PP leader got caught telling what LOT of people think: it's booooring.
Just check this year's parade:
But, on the other hand, they just ignore Vivamerica (es) festival, which is the best expression of the best side of all this story (yes, the bright one, don't talk today about genocide, cruelty and conquer)
