BOGOTA, Colombia

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday criticized Spain’s National Day celebrations, which are held annually on Oct. 12, arguing that the date symbolizes the onset of genocide, destruction, slavery and colonialism in the Americas.

Speaking on a private television channel, Maduro condemned the choice of the specific date for Spain's national holiday and suggested that a more appropriate day be chosen.

He emphasized that for the people of the Americas, Oct. 12 marks the beginning of immense suffering with the arrival of European colonizers, leading to widespread devastation, subjugation and exploitation of indigenous populations.

Maduro highlighted that this day holds a profoundly negative meaning for countries like Venezuela and other Latin American nations.

For them, Oct. 12 signifies not only bloodshed and oppression but also the struggle for survival and the rejection of monarchy in favor of republican ideals.

The celebration of Oct. 12 commemorates the day in 1492 when Christopher Columbus first landed in the Americas.

It was officially designated as Spain's national holiday in 1987 through legislative changes.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul