Columbus Day was a holiday in the United States to commemorate Christopher Columbus’s landing in the Americas in 1492, and this year Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 12. This holiday is controversial because European settlement in the Americas led to indigenous peoples’ historical and cultural demise.
Christopher Columbus and his arrival to the US
Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer who set sail in August 1492 and got Spanish monarch Ferdinand on the ships of Pinta, Nina, and Santa Maria; then he Traveled to Asia with the support of Queen Isabella.
Columbus wanted to create a western route to India, China, and the legendary Asian gold and spice island. But he reached the Bahamas and became the first European to see the Americas since the colonies were established in Greenland and the Newfoundland by Vikings in the 10th century.
Is Columbus Day a Federal Holiday?
As early as the 18th century, it was celebrated in many cities and states, but it did not become a federal holiday until 1937. For many people, the holiday is both a commemoration of Columbus’s achievements and a way of celebrating the Italian-American heritage. Some Americans celebrate the anniversary of discovering their country through church services and other activities. Many celebrations are held in the Italian-American community. The festivals in San Francisco and New York are specifically remarkable. Columbus Day is celebrated as “Discoverer Day” in Hawaii, but it is not a state holiday. You can visit any of the states in the U.S. this year to celebrate Columbus Day along with the natives. Make American Airlines Reservations now to book your tickets in advance and visit the American states in October when the festival is near.
Controversial Debates
The celebration of Columbus Day is controversial because European settlement in the Americas led to many natives’ death. Some people think this is a direct result of the Columbus operation. European settlers’ arrival led to the demise of most of the history and culture of Native Americans.
Throughout its history, Columbus Day and its inspirations have caused controversy. Since the 1970s, many other holiday options had been proposed, including Indigenous People’s Day. Many states now celebrate Native American Day or Indigenous Peoples Day instead of Columbus Day.
Is it a Public Holiday?
Columbus Day is a public holiday in many parts of the United States, but it is not a one-day holiday in some states. Because Columbus Day is still a federal government holiday, some government offices have been closed. In Florida and other places, this day is a legal holiday.
In states where Columbus Day is not a public holiday, many businesses and shops are open. You can visit the states by making Sun country Reservations and celebrate a Long weekend. Since Columbus Day is Monday, this always results in a long weekend.
