Columbus Day, a holiday observed in the United States on the second Monday of October, commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas in 1492. This day holds historical significance, but it has also sparked discussions about its cultural impact.
In this post, we will delve into the meaning of Columbus Day, its upcoming dates, how to celebrate, where to celebrate, share some Columbus Day quotes, and explore a fact about the holiday.
When is Columbus Day?
Columbus Day in United States observed on the second Monday of October.
When is Columbus Day 2023
Columbus Day 2023 takes place on Monday, October 9th.
When is Columbus Day 2024
In 2024, Columbus Day will be on Monday, October 14th.
When is Columbus Day 2025
In 2025, will be on Monday, October 13th.
When is Columbus Day 2026
In 2026, will be on Monday, October 12th.
When is Columbus Day 2027
In 2027, will be on Monday, October 11th.
When is Columbus Day 2028
In 2028, will be on Monday, October 9th.
When is Columbus Day 2029
In 2029, will be on Monday, October 8th.
When is Columbus Day 2030
In 2030, will be on Monday, October 14th.
How to Celebrate:
Educational Activities: Explore the history of Columbus and the Age of Exploration through books, documentaries, or museum visits.
Cultural Events: Attend cultural events that showcase the diversity and heritage of the Americas.
Outdoor Activities: Organize a family hike, nature walk, or a day at the park to appreciate the beauty of the land.
Cuisine: Enjoy a meal featuring traditional dishes from various American regions.
Community Engagement: Participate in community service or volunteer work to give back to your local community.
Art and Music: Attend art exhibitions, concerts, or performances that celebrate the cultural richness of the Americas
Federal Holidays in the US.
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New Year’s Day | observed on January 1st |
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Martin Luther King Day | observed annually on third Monday in January. |
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Presidents Day | observed annually on Third Monday in February |
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Memorial Day | observed annually on June 19 |
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Juneteenth | observed annually on June 19 |
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Independence Day | observed annually on July 4th |
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Labor Day | annually on the first Monday in September. |
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Columbus Day | on the second Monday of October |
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Veterans Day | annually on November 11 |
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Thanksgiving | celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November. |
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Christmas Day | observed on December 25 |
Where to Celebrate:
Museums and Historical Sites: Many museums and historical sites host special exhibitions and events related to Columbus and his era.
Local Communities: Join local parades, cultural festivals, or educational programs.
Libraries: Libraries often organize storytelling sessions or book discussions centered around Columbus and exploration.
Waterfronts: Explore maritime-themed activities and events at waterfront locations.
About Columbus Day
Columbus Day is a U.S. holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, and Columbus Day 2021 occurs on Monday, October 11.
It was unofficially celebrated in a number of cities and states as early as the 18th century, but did not become a federal holiday until 1937.
For many, the holiday is a way of both honoring Columbus’ achievements and celebrating Italian-American heritage.
But throughout its history, Columbus Day and the man who inspired it have generated controversy, and many alternatives to the holiday have proposed since the 1970s including Indigenous Peoples’ Day, now celebrated in several U.S. states.
Columbus Day in the United States
The first Columbus Day celebration took place in 1792, when New York’s Columbian Order—better known as Tammany Hall—held an event to commemorate the historic landing’s 300th anniversary.
Taking pride in Columbus’ birthplace and faith, Italian and Catholic communities in various parts of the country began organizing annual religious ceremonies and parades in his honor.
In 1892, President Benjamin Harrison issued a proclamation encouraging Americans to mark the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage with patriotic festivities, writing, “On that day let the people, so far as possible, cease from toil and devote themselves to such exercises as may best express honor to the discoverer and their appreciation of the great achievements of the four completed centuries of American life.”
In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed Columbus Day a national holiday, largely as a result of intense lobbying by the Knights of Columbus, an influential Catholic fraternal organization.
Columbus Day is observed on the second Monday of October. While Columbus Day is a federal government holiday meaning all federal offices are closed, not all states grant it as a day off from work.
history.com
Fact about Columbus Day:
Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer, embarked on his famous journey in 1492, seeking a westward route to Asia but instead stumbled upon the islands of the Caribbean.
Columbus Day was first celebrated as an official holiday in the United States in 1937.
It is a federal holiday, meaning that government offices and many schools are closed, while some businesses and stores remain open.
The holiday has generated discussions about the impact of European exploration on indigenous peoples and their cultures, leading some regions to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead.
In conclusion, Columbus Day offers an opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the Americas. Whether you focus on education, cultural appreciation, or community involvement, it’s a time to reflect on the complexities of history and celebrate the diversity and unity of the Americas.