Columbus Day is a national holiday in the United States that commemorates Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. This event is significant as it marked the beginning of a new era of exploration and interaction between Europe and the Americas. The holiday celebrates Columbus's achievements and his role in opening the Americas to European colonization.
What is Columbus Day?
Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the second Monday of October every year. It is a public holiday honoring Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas in 1492.
Columbus Day is celebrated on October 12th in some countries, including Italy, Spain, and many Latin American countries, which is the actual date of Columbus' arrival in the Caribbean. However, in the United States, the holiday is celebrated on the second Monday of October, which is a federal holiday.
When is Columbus Day?
Columbus Day is observed on the second Monday in October each year.
History of Columbus Day
The holiday was first celebrated in the United States in 1792, marking the 300th anniversary of Columbus' arrival in the Americas. This historical context is important to understand the origins of the holiday and its significance. Over time, however, it has become a controversial topic, with some arguing that it celebrates European colonization and the displacement of indigenous peoples, while others see it as a celebration of exploration and discovery.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed October 12 as Columbus Day in 1937. In 1971, Columbus Day became a federal holiday, celebrated on the second Monday in October.
In recent years, some cities and states have replaced Columbus Day with alternative holidays, such as Indigenous Peoples' Day, which is celebrated on the same day. This holiday is not just an alternative, but a significant one, intended to honor the history and contributions of Native American communities and to recognize the harm and trauma caused by European colonization. It's a day of respect and empathy towards those who have been historically marginalized.
Here are the upcoming dates for Columbus Day for the next few years:
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