Columbus Day

Every year, on the second Monday of October, Americans observe Columbus Day. It's a federal holiday that marks the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. For many, it’s a day to reflect on exploration, discovery, and the enduring spirit of adventure that helped shape the New World. However, in recent years, Columbus Day has also sparked conversations about history, heritage, and the experiences of Indigenous peoples. Whether celebrated as a moment of pride or reflection, Columbus Day continues to remind Americans of how one voyage forever changed the course of history. 

Key Takeaways:

• Columbus Day is a U.S. federal holiday commemorating Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage and his arrival in the Americas.
• It’s celebrated every year on the second Monday of October.
• The first Columbus Day celebration in the U.S. took place in 1792 to mark the 300th anniversary of Columbus’s landing.
• Columbus Day became a federal holiday in 1937 after efforts by the Knights of Columbus and Italian-American leaders.

What Is Columbus Day?

Columbus Day is a public holiday in the United States that commemorates the 1492 landing of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus. He, under the Spanish flag, crossed the Atlantic in search of a new route to Asia. On October 12, 1492, Columbus came ashore at Guanahaní, an island in the Bahamas, marking the beginning of sustained contact between Europe and the Americas. His voyages paved the way for the Columbian Exchange, a massive transfer of people, plants, animals, and ideas between the Old and New Worlds.

Though once celebrated purely as a symbol of discovery and exploration, Columbus Day has evolved into a more complex observance. For many, it honors Italian American heritage and the spirit of exploration. But for others, it serves as a time to reflect on the lasting consequences of European colonization, including the profound impact on Indigenous peoples and cultures across the Americas.

Interesting Facts About Columbus Day

Here are some interesting facts about Columbus Day:

• The first Columbus Day celebration took place on October 12, 1792, marking the 300th anniversary of Columbus’s landing in the New World.
• Not everyone celebrates it the same way. While Columbus Day is a federal holiday, many states and cities now observe it as Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead, to honor the Native communities affected by Columbus’s arrival.
• On Oct. 12, 1492, Columbus landed on an island he called Guanahaní, which he called San Salvador in the Bahamas.
• The holiday became a symbol of Italian-American heritage and pride, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

When Is Columbus Day?

The holiday is observed annually on the second Monday of October. It used to be celebrated on October 12. However, since 1971, Columbus Day has been observed on the second Monday in October, aligning with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act that standardized many U.S. holidays to create long weekends.

Future Columbus Day Dates

Brief History

Columbus Day in the United States honors the landing of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, born in Genoa, Italy. He sailed under the Spanish crown of Ferdinand and Isabella and reached the Americas on October 12, 1492. While his voyages are often highlighted, the holiday’s American roots are tied less to exploration than to Italian-American heritage and historical events in the U.S.

The first celebration of Columbus Day in New York City occurred in 1792, marking the 300th anniversary of his landing. It was organized by the Society of St. Tammany. Italian immigrants championed the holiday as a source of cultural pride, especially following the tragic lynching of 11 Italian Americans in New Orleans in 1891. In response, President Benjamin Harrison declared the 400th anniversary a national celebration in 1892.

By 1937, lobbying from the Knights of Columbus and Italian-American leaders led to annual presidential proclamations, and President Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation in 1968 making it a federal holiday. While Columbus Day was once widely celebrated, today it coexists with growing observances of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, reflecting a more nuanced understanding of America’s history and diverse communities.

How To Celebrate Columbus Day?

Columbus Day continues to hold a unique place in American tradition, a day that invites reflection, celebration, and education.

Here are a few ways you can celebrate the day:

1. Join Parades and Local Events

If your city hosts a Columbus Day parade or festival, grab your friends or family and join in! These events often feature colorful floats, marching bands, and plenty of Italian-American pride, celebrating the contributions of immigrants who helped shape America’s story.

2. Learn and Reflect on History

You can use Columbus Day as a moment to dig deeper into history. Visit a nearby museum, attend a lecture, or watch a documentary that explores both Columbus’s voyages and the lasting effects of European exploration. Many schools and libraries host programs that highlight Indigenous cultures and histories, giving you a broader understanding of how the past shaped today’s America.

3. Honor Indigenous Peoples

For those who choose not to celebrate Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day has become a powerful alternative. Observed in several states and cities, it celebrates the rich cultures, traditions, and resilience of Native peoples. Many communities hold storytelling events, art exhibitions, and educational workshops that focus on Indigenous heritage and contributions to America.

4. Take Advantage of Holiday Sales

Like many national holidays, Columbus Day has become known for big retail sales. You can take advantage of long-weekend discounts, whether you’re shopping for home essentials, upgrading your tech, or just browsing online. If you enjoy bargain-hunting, it’s a great time to score some fall savings while still enjoying the holiday spirit.

5. Spend Quality Time with Family

If you have the day off, take the opportunity to slow down and reconnect. You can plan a mini road trip, host a backyard cookout, or just relax at home with your loved ones. However you spend the day, Columbus Day offers you a chance to pause, recharge, and enjoy the long weekend together.

Conclusion

Columbus Day continues to be observed across the United States, though its meaning has evolved over time. Once solely a tribute to Christopher Columbus and European exploration, it now serves as both a celebration of heritage and an opportunity for reflection on the broader impacts of colonization. Whether one chooses to honor Columbus, recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, or simply enjoy the long weekend, the holiday remains an important part of America’s cultural calendar, a day to learn, reflect, and celebrate in one’s own way.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Columbus Day a US holiday?

Yes, Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States. It is celebrated on the second Monday in October every year. Although it is an official public holiday, not all states and cities observe the day.

2. Why celebrate Columbus Day?

Traditionally, Columbus Day honors the 1492 voyage of Christopher Columbus, which marked a pivotal moment in world history. While the holiday celebrates exploration and discovery, it’s also recognized as a time to reflect on the lasting effects of European colonization on Native Americans.

3. What states no longer celebrate Columbus Day?

At least 14 states do not celebrate Columbus Day, including Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

4. Is mail delivered on Columbus Day?

No, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is closed on Columbus Day.