October 12 is Spain’s national holiday, La Fiesta Nacional de España, also more commonly known as Día de la Hispanidad. The date coincides with Christopher Columbus’ arrival to the Americas in 1492.
More like _'an all-you-can-eat buffet of *tiny* hat eating'_. AMIRITE?!
Seriously though, thanks for penning this. Columbus Day as a US phenomenon chews up a lot of attention, I never even considered how he would be thought of in Spain/Italy. You're right, there are so many other characters in Italian history to dilute his significance.
In Irish secondary school history, they all get lumped together as 'European Explorers'. I found expeditions other than Columbus' to be far more compelling stories. Vasco da Gama's was my favourite.
'The Age of Exploration' is one of those historical topics that, unfortunately, I've avoided for years. I just found the commentary to be so shrill. But maybe now I'll dip my toe.
I have the sense that Columbus is more important to the Spaniards. Although he might have been Genovese, everything about his major life's work is more connected to Spain and Spanish history. His arrival to the Americas is celebrated as part of Spain's national, patriotic holiday.
If you dive into the Age of Exploration, another great story to check out is the Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation of the world.
More like _'an all-you-can-eat buffet of *tiny* hat eating'_. AMIRITE?!
Seriously though, thanks for penning this. Columbus Day as a US phenomenon chews up a lot of attention, I never even considered how he would be thought of in Spain/Italy. You're right, there are so many other characters in Italian history to dilute his significance.
In Irish secondary school history, they all get lumped together as 'European Explorers'. I found expeditions other than Columbus' to be far more compelling stories. Vasco da Gama's was my favourite.
'The Age of Exploration' is one of those historical topics that, unfortunately, I've avoided for years. I just found the commentary to be so shrill. But maybe now I'll dip my toe.
As you know, I love a good pun. :)
I have the sense that Columbus is more important to the Spaniards. Although he might have been Genovese, everything about his major life's work is more connected to Spain and Spanish history. His arrival to the Americas is celebrated as part of Spain's national, patriotic holiday.
If you dive into the Age of Exploration, another great story to check out is the Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation of the world.