Indigenous Resistance Day is a significant holiday celebrated in Venezuela on October 12. This holiday was established by former president Hugo Chavez with the purpose of recognizing the prowess, courage, and endurance demonstrated by the indigenous people of the country during the conquest by the Spaniards. Also, it serves to honor the Indigenous communities and their significant role in the country's cultural, historical, and societal identity.
Before Chavez's presidency, October 12 was traditionally celebrated as 'Columbus Day,' marking the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas. However, this narrative was often criticized for overlooking the atrocities committed against the Indigenous peoples during the colonial period. Thus, in 2002, Chavez officially renamed the holiday to 'Day of Indigenous Resistance' to shift the focus towards celebrating Indigenous resilience in the face of colonial brutality.
Today, Indigenous Resistance Day is commemorated with numerous activities and events throughout Venezuela. These include traditional Indigenous ceremonies, parades, and cultural exhibitions which showcase the rich and diverse Indigenous heritage of the country. This holiday serves as not only a testament to the enduring strength of Venezuela's Indigenous communities but also a reminder of the social and cultural debts owed to them.