Resistencia Indigena, 12 de Octubre

Sergio Umbria's song "Resistencia Indigena, 12 de Octubre" is a powerful critique of the historical narrative surrounding the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas. The lyrics challenge the traditional portrayal of Columbus as a heroic figure who 'discovered' the New World. Instead, Umbria frames this event as an invasion that led to the subjugation and suffering of indigenous peoples. The repetition of the phrase "llamaron descubrimiento a lo que fue invasión" (they called it discovery, but it was an invasion) underscores the song's central message: the so-called discovery was, in reality, a violent conquest.

The song delves into the atrocities committed by the colonizers, including looting, rape, and murder, all justified in the name of God. Umbria highlights the irony and tragedy of the situation by pointing out that the indigenous people, often labeled as 'savages,' possessed a rich cultural and intellectual heritage. The lyrics also touch on the forced conversion to Christianity and the loss of ancestral cultures, emphasizing the resilience of those who fought to preserve their traditions.

Umbria's song also questions the motives behind the glorification of Columbus and the colonial narrative. He suggests that the church, the monarchy, and Spain itself had vested interests in promoting this version of history. The song calls out the fear tactics used to control the indigenous population, such as attributing natural disasters to divine punishment for resisting colonial rule. By repeatedly invoking the date October 12, 1492, Umbria not only marks the beginning of this dark chapter but also honors the enduring spirit of indigenous resistance.