Columbus Day is a US federal holiday commemorating Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. However, the observance date varies. It’s held on the second Monday of October each year. To know if today is Columbus Day, check if it’s the second Monday of October.
Historically, Columbus Day was celebrated on October 12th, marking Columbus’s first landfall in the Americas. But in 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared it a federal holiday, and the 1971 Uniform Monday Holiday Act shifted it to the second Monday of October, creating three-day weekends for federal workers and boosting tourism.
While Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, it’s become controversial. Many US states and cities have replaced it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, acknowledging Native Americans’ history and contributions and recognizing the negative impact of Columbus’s arrival on indigenous populations.
Whether your location observes Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day, understanding both holidays’ historical context is important. Columbus Day marks a pivotal moment in history: the encounter between Europe and the Americas. However, acknowledging European colonization’s devastating consequences for indigenous peoples is crucial. Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors Native American history, culture, and resilience.
To confirm if today is Columbus Day, check a current calendar or search “Columbus Day date [current year]” online. This will give you the accurate date. Remember, even if it’s not officially Columbus Day where you are, the second Monday of October still holds historical significance.