An unexpected incident occurred at the Naval Museum in Madrid. A painting depicting the Italian sailor and explorer Christopher Columbus was splashed with red paint, El País reported.
According to reports, the act was carried out by activists from the environmental organization Futuro Vegetal. They sprayed biodegradable paint on the painting “The First Celebration of Christopher Columbus” by artist José Garnelo and shouted, “There’s nothing to celebrate!”
The activists described their action as a call for historical justice. In their view, Columbus’s “discovery” of America is linked to the tragic fate of indigenous peoples. Therefore, they believe this day should not be celebrated but used to acknowledge the injustices of the past.
According to the museum administration, after the incident, security officers detained the activists, who were charged with committing a crime against cultural heritage. An investigation is currently underway.
In Spain, October 12 is celebrated annually as a national holiday. This date marks the day in 1492 when Christopher Columbus first set foot on the American continent. However, in recent years, the day has sparked heated public debates.
Some consider it “the beginning of a new era of world civilization,” while others see it as “the start of major conquest and enslavement of indigenous peoples.”
Historians note that Columbus did not “discover” America, since when he arrived, people and cultures already existed there. His voyages opened the path for Western Europe’s expansion into new lands and the beginning of widespread colonization.
Between 1492 and 1502, Columbus made four voyages to America. His expeditions paved the way for the formation of countries such as the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, for the native population, this process meant tragedy — loss of land, destruction of culture, and violence.
Today, opinions about Columbus remain divided in Europe and America. Some view him as “a hero who united the world,” while others see him as “a symbol of colonialism.”
The incident in Madrid has reignited these debates. As the environmental activists emphasized, it is time to reexamine history and show new generations the real picture.
This event has made the public reflect: the history we celebrate — whose victory is it, and whose tragedy?
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