Columbus Day in United States
Columbus Day is a holiday in United States.
When is Columbus Day in United States
Columbus Day is celebrated on 09, October, 2023 in United States.
About Columbus Day in United States
Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas on October 12, 1492. It is celebrated on the second Monday of October each year.
The holiday has its roots in the late 18th century when it was first celebrated in New York City on the 300th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage. It gained popularity in the 19th century as Italian-American communities began to embrace Columbus as a symbol of their heritage and contributions to American society.
Columbus Day became an official federal holiday in 1937, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was established to honor Columbus’ exploration and discovery, as well as to acknowledge the contributions of Italian Americans to the United States.
However, Columbus Day has also been a subject of controversy and criticism. Many indigenous groups argue that celebrating Columbus perpetuates a false narrative of European discovery and colonization, disregarding the history and culture of the Native American populations already living in the Americas. They view Columbus as a symbol of the violence, disease, and oppression brought upon indigenous peoples.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to replace or modify Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which aims to recognize and celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Native Americans. Several states and cities have already made this change, including Alaska, Minnesota, Vermont, and Los Angeles.
Overall, Columbus Day remains a federal holiday in the United States, but its observance and significance have evolved over time, reflecting ongoing discussions and debates about the country’s history and the treatment of indigenous peoples.
History of Columbus Day in United States
Columbus Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October each year in the United States. The holiday commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas on October 12, 1492. Here is a brief history of how Columbus Day became a recognized holiday in the United States:
-
Early Celebrations: The first recorded celebration of Columbus Day in the United States took place in 1792, on the 300th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival. It was organized by the Society of St. Tammany in New York City, and a ceremony was held at the landing site of Columbus in the city.
-
Italian-American Influence: In the late 19th century, Italian-Americans, particularly those from Genoa (Columbus’ birthplace), began advocating for a national holiday to honor Columbus. They sought to celebrate their heritage and promote their contributions to American society. Italian-American organizations held parades and events to commemorate Columbus.
-
State and Local Recognition: Several states, including Colorado, New York, and California, started observing Columbus Day as a holiday in the late 19th century. The first state to officially recognize Columbus Day as a legal holiday was Colorado in 1905.
-
Federal Recognition: Due to the efforts of Italian-American communities across the country, Columbus Day gained national recognition. In 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed Columbus Day as a federal holiday, urging Americans to celebrate the “spirit of discovery.”
-
Controversies: Over time, the holiday has faced criticism and controversy. Some argue that Columbus’ arrival led to the mistreatment and genocide of indigenous peoples, making the celebration offensive. Others advocate for renaming the holiday as Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor Native American cultures and histories.
-
Indigenous Peoples’ Day: In recent years, several cities and states have chosen to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day. This alternative holiday aims to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions and resilience of Native American communities.
It is important to note that the celebration and perception of Columbus Day vary across the United States, with some regions embracing it as a day to honor Italian-American heritage, while others use it as an opportunity to reflect on the historical impact of European colonization in the Americas.
How is Columbus Day celebrated in United States
Columbus Day is celebrated in the United States on the second Monday of October each year. The day commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. Here are some of the ways Columbus Day is celebrated in the United States:
-
Parades: Many cities and towns organize parades to celebrate Columbus Day. These parades often include marching bands, floats, and various cultural and community groups.
-
Festivals: Some areas host festivals that showcase Italian-American culture, as Columbus was of Italian descent. These festivals typically include music, dance, food, and other cultural activities.
-
Educational activities: Schools often use Columbus Day as an opportunity to educate students about Christopher Columbus and his historical significance. Students may learn about his voyages, the impact on indigenous populations, and the exploration of the New World.
-
Historical reenactments: In some locations, historical reenactments are organized to recreate Columbus’s arrival or other significant events from his expeditions.
-
Community events: Many communities hold events such as art exhibits, lectures, or discussions about Columbus and his legacy.
-
Sales and promotions: Columbus Day is also known for its sales and promotions in retail stores. Many businesses offer discounts and special deals to attract customers.
It is important to note that Columbus Day has also faced criticism and controversy due to the negative impact of colonization on indigenous populations. Some states and cities have chosen to rename or replace Columbus Day with alternative observances, such as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, to honor and recognize the history and contributions of Native Americans.
Dates
Columbus Day will be celebrated in United States on 2023-10-09, 2024-10-14, 2025-10-13, 2026-10-12, 2027-10-11 in the comming years.
