Columbus Day

Columbus Day, observed on the second Monday of October in the United States, commemorates Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. It is a federal holiday celebrating Italian-American heritage and the Age of Exploration. Many states now also observe Indigenous Peoples' Day to honor Native American heritage.

Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer sailing under the Spanish flag, landed in the Bahamas in 1492 while searching for a western route to Asia. The holiday was first celebrated in 1792 in New York City to mark the 300th anniversary. It became a federal holiday in 1937 after lobbying by Italian-American communities.

Traditional celebrations include parades, particularly in cities with large Italian-American communities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. Schools teach about exploration history. Some communities hold ceremonies honoring Italian heritage, while others commemorate Indigenous Peoples' Day.