Day of the race

The **Day of the Race** (*Día de la Raza*) in Uruguay is a holiday celebrated on **October 12**, coinciding with **Columbus Day** in many other countries. It commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, marking the encounter between European and Indigenous cultures. In Uruguay, the holiday reflects on the cultural and historical blending of European, Indigenous, and African influences that have shaped the nation's identity. While it is a day to honor the country's diverse heritage, it also serves as a moment to reflect on the complexities of colonization and its impact on Indigenous peoples. The day is often marked with cultural events, parades, and educational activities that celebrate Uruguay's multicultural roots.