Discovery Day in Puerto Rico (Día del Descubrimiento de Puerto Rico) is celebrated on November 19 each year to commemorate the day in 1493 when Christopher Columbus, on his second voyage to the New World, landed on the island's coast. It marks the moment when the island became known to the European world.

History:

• 1493: Christopher Columbus arrived at what is now known as Puerto Rico during his second voyage.
• The day was officially recognized to honor Columbus's landing and the cultural impact of European arrival.

Traditions:

• Parades and festivities: Local towns may have parades celebrating Puerto Rican heritage.
• Cultural events: Educational events that reflect on the island's history and indigenous Taíno culture are common.
• School activities: Schools often teach students about the history of Puerto Rico around this time.
• Government ceremonies: Officials may lay wreaths or hold events to mark the occasion.

Activities:

• Participants often enjoy traditional Puerto Rican music and dance.
• There might be reenactments of Columbus’s landing.
• People indulge in local cuisine at festivals or family gatherings.

On Discovery Day, while some celebrate the historical significance, it is also a day for reflection for others, considering its complex implications for indigenous populations and cultural changes that followed European colonization.