What the Heck is El Día de la Hispanidad?
Alright, folks, buckle up! It’s that time of year again: El Día de la Hispanidad. October 12th marks the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas. No, it’s not just about some guy with a boat. This day is celebrated (or scrutinized, depending on who you ask) as a representation of Spain’s glorious heritage or a brutal reminder of colonization.
¿Fiesta Nacional de España?
Now, don’t panic. Put down the flamethrower and hear me out. If you’re a fan of Spanish culture, this day might be your jam. In Spain, it’s called Fiesta Nacional de España, and trust me, it’s a pretty big deal—think military parades, flags, the King making an appearance, and an entire nation basking in Spanish pride. But the deeper you go into Latin America, things shift—like, dramatically. For them, it’s not all about champagne and “¡Viva España!” chants. No siree.
How is it in Mexico?
In Mexico, for instance, this day is known as Día de la Raza (Day of the Race), and, spoiler alert, it’s not exactly celebrated with confetti and mariachi bands. It’s more about recognizing the blood, sweat, and tears that came from the collision of Spanish colonizers and Indigenous peoples. So yeah, it’s complicated. Some see Columbus and his arrival as the gateway to what we now know as Latin America. Others—like, many others—see it as the birth of centuries-long suffering and subjugation of Indigenous
populations.
Wait… What Exactly Are We Celebrating?
¿El Día de la Hispanidad? Huh? So… What exactly are we celebrating here? Let’s get real for a sec—El Día de la Hispanidad (aka Columbus Day) is a tricky one. It’s like throwing a party for someone, only to realize halfway through that they’re kind of a jerk, but hey, the snacks are good, so let’s keep going, right?
While Columbus might be considered a hero in some corners, he didn’t actually land in what we call America today—at least Continental America. Nope. In fact, ol’ Chris set foot in the Caribbean islands. Yet, for some reason, he’s credited with “discovering America.” (Not “The United States of America”—I’m talking about the continent of America, which, just to clarify, is made up of both North and South America—and Central America for Spanish speaking countries) It’s like calling your road trip across Mexico a discovery of “America.” Same sh*t, different smell.
Columbus Didn’t Know Sh*t!
You see, Columbus didn’t even know America existed, let alone “find it.” And sure, while he might have gotten lost, his landing in the Caribbean was a big deal for European colonization—just not in the way we often like to paint it.
Now, calling this the discovery of a continent filled with vibrant, indigenous civilizations? Well, that’s a little like barging into someone’s living room and declaring you’ve found a “new” place to call home. Excuse me, but it was already occupied—like los Incas in Peru?
What about Peru?
While Spain goes all out with parades, and military processions (they seem to have really embraced the day), Peru doesn’t exactly throw a party for Columbus. There’s no grand fiesta for ol’ Chris, no fireworks in his honor. Why? Well, Peru, like many other countries in Latin America, acknowledges the reality of colonization’s darker legacy and doesn’t necessarily feel the need to celebrate a guy who set off a chain reaction of, let’s just say, unpleasant events for the indigenous people.
Sure, El Día de la Hispanidad in Peru is recognized, but it’s a low-key affair, maybe mentioned in passing, if at all. You might hear some schools talk about it, and perhaps a quick nod to the cultural ties to Spain, but there’s no nationwide Columbus-mania.
The Myth Discovering “America”
So while many in the U.S. are told this myth of Columbus discovering “America” (again, not the United States, but the whole continent), many Latin American countries—including Peru—are taking a different route.
Some have even replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous People’s Day, a move to honor the pre-Columbian cultures that thrived long before Columbus got lost. Now, it’s our turn no to get lost and accepting that we cannot change the past but we can still…
Love Hispanic Culture!
Back to Basics: Love Spanish Culture? Get Fluent! Listen, this is where we drop some truth bombs. Like, instead of getting lost in centuries-old debates, why not pick up some Spanish? Not just the language, but the essence, baby! Latin culture, Spanish food, music, salsa, the whole shebang. If you’re celebrating Día de la Hispanidad, might as well enjoy la lengua too.
Over at Kasa de Franko, we’re here to prep you for everything—from chatting with locals in a quaint Spanish plaza to impressing that Spanish-speaking crush. Learn real Spanish, no BS—fast, fun, and affordable. Our Columbus Day Specials are live—so don’t miss out!
Check Out Our Specials!
At Kasa de Franko, for Columbus Day, we’re rolling out sweet deals to kickstart your journey into the language of Latin passion. You’ll be wowing your friends in no time—whether you’re chatting up locals, navigating Spanish nightlife, or simply ordering churros like a pro.
Ready to dive in? Check out Kasa de Franko’s courses, and let’s get you talking Spanish from day one!
KIDS LESSONS |
|
---|---|
Program | Discount |
KinDerF Private & Semi-private | Up to 50% off. |
Kids Private & Semi-private | Up to 50% off. |
Family Lessons | 30% off. |
Group KinDerF / KiDeeF / Teens | 25% off |
Start your journey now and level up your Spanish fluency!
What is Kasa de Franko?
Kasa de Franko (or KDF, as we like to call it) is your ultimate language playground, nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley. We’re all about making language learning a fun, creative, and engaging experience—whether you’re flying solo, teaming up with friends, or still rocking that school backpack. There’s always an adventure waiting for you here, no matter what stage of your language journey you’re on.
Looking for Some Romance?
Interested in sweet-talking in Spanish? Dive into our cheeky blog section with posts like “Things Spanish People Say in Bed” or the playful “El Sexi Chupacabras.” Whether it’s a classic “Te quiero” or a more playful phrase, you’ll uncover a whole lot of romance just waiting to be expressed en español. Get ready for a lighthearted and love-filled language experience.
Need a Laugh?
Sure, phrases like “¡Feliz Año Nuevo!”, “¡Me Gusta la Chucha de tu Madre!”, or “Can I molestate you?” might tickle your funny bone, but remember—while language learning can have some laugh-out-loud moments, it’s also about appreciating cultural nuance and respect. So why not laugh, learn, and celebrate the colorful expressions that make Spanish such a dynamic language?
Love Legends and Folktales?
Feel like getting lost in some legendary stories? Take a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Hispanic folklore, with iconic tales like La Llorona, La Ciguapa, El Sexi Chupacabras, and a whole bunch of other mythical characters. There’s no better way to experience a culture than through its stories, and you can begin exploring them with us today. Ready to dive deeper? Why not start with a free Spanish lesson—just click that red button below!
Join Us for a Free Lesson!
Kasa de Franko, a well-known language school serving San Jose and the greater San Francisco Bay Area, is offering free online Spanish classes to celebrate Spanish Heritage Month. It’s the perfect chance to kick-start your Spanish adventure—what are you waiting for? The journey’s about to begin, and we’ll be with you every step of the way. Once you enroll in Kasa de Franko, always remember….