Columbus Day in Chile, known locally as Día Del Descubrimiento de Dos Mundos or Day of the Discovery of Two Worlds, is one of the significant holidays in the country. The day is celebrated on the twelfth of October every year. This holiday commemorates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's first arrival in the Americas, which happened on October 12, 1492. This day is celebrated to honor the encounter and syncretism between the Indigenous cultures of America and those of Europe.
The holiday offers an opportunity for Chileans to celebrate their national heritage and history. Many schools across Chile conduct special programs, parades, and presentations on this day where students learn about the exchange of traditions, cultural aspects, and historical events that shaped their country after the arrival of Christopher Columbus. Many public places also hold cultural events showcasing the vibrant mix of indigenous and Hispanic culture present in the country.
Though it is a national holiday, Columbus Day in Chile has been the subject of controversy and debate, like in many other countries. In response to the critics who argue that the day should not celebrate the colonization that led to the suffering of indigenous people, in 2002, the Chilean government renamed the holiday to Día Del Descubrimiento de Dos Mundos, symbolizing the fusion of two cultures rather than a conquest. It represents the result of the clash between Europeans and Indigenous people which resulted in the diverse culture that Chile boasts today.