Dia de la Raza, literally "Day of the Race," celebrates Christopher Columbus's arrival in the New World and Latin America's first contact with Europeans. In the United States, it is known as Columbus Day. Hispanic Americans, however, view the day as a time to celebrate their Hispanic roots before Columbus's arrival, as well as after his "discovery." While "la raza" translates as "the race" in Spanish, it is used to mean "the people" and refers generally to those of Spanish or Latin American descent.
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Instructions
1
Plan to travel to Los Angeles and surrounding areas for the celebration, unless you already live there. You can find many travel deals online at travel websites like Travelocity or Expedia.
2
Rent a car if you do not already have one in order to properly celebrate Dia de la Raza in Los Angeles. Los Angeles is a large city not served well by public transportation. Walking is not practical in this spread-out area, and most locals travel by car.
3
Get a copy of an events calendar for Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Local newspapers and radio and television stations, free magazines and the Internet are all good places to find out when events are scheduled.
4
Compile an itinerary of events to attend and attractions to see. These might include nightclubs, craft fairs or cultural performances. You can also include places to eat during your stay, as ethnic cuisine will make your celebration complete.
5
Realize that Dia de la Raza coincides with Columbus Day. It is likely that some Columbus Day happenings will include Hispanic observances, as well. If you have trouble finding cultural festivals, fairs or performances listed as Dia de la Raza, check out the Columbus Day listings instead.
6
Understand that Dia de la Raza falls toward the end of Hispanic Heritage Month. September 15 to October 15 in the United States is a designated time to highlight Hispanic contributions to the U.S. and the world. Continue your Dia De La Raza observance by attending other Hispanic Heritage Month lectures, concerts or fiestas.
Tips & Warnings
Avoid political strife as you celebrate Dia de la Raza. Each year, more Americans protest Columbus Day, especially in Los Angeles with its large Latino population. Many see Europe's colonization of the New World as a negative period in history rather than something to celebrate.
