Columbus Day—love it or hate it—comes around every year with its share of festivities and controversy. But what’s the real story behind this federal holiday? Why do we even celebrate it? And what’s happening in 2024? Let’s break it down.
What is Columbus Day?
A Brief History
Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. Though he wasn’t the first European to step foot on the continent (sorry, Vikings!), Columbus’s voyage marked the beginning of widespread European exploration of the Americas.
When Did It Become a Holiday?
The first celebration of Columbus Day in the United States took place in 1792, marking the 300th anniversary of his voyage. It wasn’t until 1937 that President Franklin D. Roosevelt made it a federal holiday. Initially celebrated on October 12, it was moved to the second Monday of October in 1971, thanks to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This shift gave us the lovely long weekend we now associate with the holiday.
Columbus Day 2024: What’s the Date?
In 2024, Columbus Day will be observed on Monday, October 14. Yep, you get an extra day to sleep in, catch up on Netflix, or maybe even learn something about history.
Why Is Columbus Day Celebrated?
Honoring Exploration and Discovery
At its core, Columbus Day is meant to celebrate the spirit of exploration and discovery. Columbus’s journey paved the way for European settlement in the Americas, leading to the formation of modern-day nations like the United States. For some, the day is about honoring the courage it took to set sail into the unknown and forever change the course of history.
Italian-American Pride
For many Italian-Americans, Columbus Day has an additional significance. Columbus, being of Italian descent, became a symbol of pride for Italian immigrants in the U.S., particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At a time when Italians faced discrimination and hardship in their new country, Columbus represented a success story that these communities could rally around.
The Controversy Surrounding Columbus Day
A History of Violence?
While some celebrate Columbus’s bravery, others point out the darker side of his legacy. Upon arriving in the Americas, Columbus and his crew enslaved, mistreated, and killed Indigenous people. For many Native Americans and their allies, the holiday is a painful reminder of the beginning of centuries of colonization, violence, and cultural destruction.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
In recent years, many states and cities have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This alternative holiday honors the history, culture, and contributions of Native American communities, recognizing their resilience in the face of colonization. States like Alaska, South Dakota, and Hawaii don’t celebrate Columbus Day at all, and more places are joining this movement every year.
Who Celebrates Columbus Day in 2024?
Federal Holiday Status
Since Columbus Day is a federal holiday, most federal offices, banks, and post offices will be closed on October 14, 2024. However, not all states treat Columbus Day the same way.
States That Don’t Observe Columbus Day
States like Oregon, Iowa, and Nevada do not officially recognize Columbus Day. Instead, they either ignore the day entirely or have replaced it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Cities Taking a Stand
Major cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, and Denver have opted to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day. These decisions are often made at the local level, so it’s worth checking what’s going on in your area.
How Is Columbus Day Celebrated?
Parades and Festivals
In cities that still celebrate Columbus Day, you’ll likely find parades, especially in places with large Italian-American populations like New York City and San Francisco. These parades often feature floats, music, and people decked out in festive costumes celebrating Italian heritage.
School Closures
Whether or not your local schools will be closed on Columbus Day depends on where you live. In some states, it’s treated like any other holiday, while in others, students still have classes. Always check your school district’s calendar ahead of time.
A Day of Reflection
For those who observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the holiday is often marked by ceremonies, educational events, and discussions around Native American history and issues facing Indigenous communities today.
The Debate in 2024
A Growing Movement
The push to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day continues to grow, with more states and local governments making the switch each year. In 2024, expect even more discussions around whether Columbus Day should still be a federal holiday, given its controversial legacy.
Why the Change?
Advocates for Indigenous Peoples’ Day argue that celebrating Columbus overlooks the suffering of Native Americans and glorifies colonialism. They believe it’s essential to acknowledge the darker chapters of history and honor the resilience and contributions of Indigenous communities.
The Opposition
On the flip side, supporters of Columbus Day argue that it’s part of the nation’s history and that Columbus himself should be seen in the context of his time. For them, the holiday is about honoring the boldness of exploration, not about celebrating the atrocities that followed.
The Future of Columbus Day
Will It Be Replaced?
In 2024, the question still looms: will Columbus Day eventually be fully replaced by Indigenous Peoples’ Day? While it’s hard to predict, the trend seems to be moving in that direction, with more states opting for the latter each year.
A Compromise in Sight?
Some have suggested keeping Columbus Day but adding Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a separate holiday. This would allow for both groups to celebrate their heritage and history. Whether that becomes a reality remains to be seen.
Should You Celebrate Columbus Day?
It’s a Personal Choice
Ultimately, whether you choose to celebrate Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day is up to you. It can depend on your heritage, values, and perspective on history. For some, it’s a day of celebration and pride; for others, it’s a day of mourning and reflection.
How You Can Get Involved
If you’re unsure of how to observe the holiday, why not use it as a learning opportunity? Take some time to educate yourself about both sides of the story. Watch documentaries, read up on Native American history, or attend a local event focused on Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
What’s Closed on Columbus Day 2024?
Federal Offices
As Columbus Day is a federal holiday, you can expect most government offices to be closed. This includes post offices, the DMV, and social security offices.
Banks
Most banks will also close for Columbus Day, so plan your transactions accordingly. However, online banking services will still be available.
Schools
As mentioned earlier, whether schools close on Columbus Day depends on the state. In states that don’t officially observe the holiday, students may still be in class.
Retail Stores
The good news for shoppers? Most retail stores, including big chains, will be open. In fact, some may even offer Columbus Day sales!
Conclusion
Columbus Day 2024 will once again be a point of discussion, celebration, and debate. While some will take the day to honor Columbus’s journey, others will use the time to reflect on the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities. Whether you treat it as a day of rest, celebration, or education, Columbus Day continues to evolve, and how we observe it says a lot about what we value as a society.
FAQs
1. Is Columbus Day a federal holiday in 2024?
Yes, Columbus Day is still a federal holiday and will be observed on Monday, October 14, 2024.
2. What’s the difference between Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Columbus Day celebrates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas, while Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors Native American history and culture and acknowledges the impact of colonization.
3. Which states don’t observe Columbus Day?
Several states, including Oregon, South Dakota, and Hawaii, don’t recognize Columbus Day. Many of these states observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead.
4. Are banks open on Columbus Day 2024?
No, most banks will be closed on Columbus Day, though online banking services will still be available.
5. Will there be Columbus Day parades in 2024?
Yes, cities like New York and San Francisco, which have large Italian-American communities, typically host parades to celebrate Columbus Day. However, it’s best to check your local area for specific events.
