Columbus Day

Columbus Day is an annual holiday in the United States that is observed on the second Monday in October. It is named after Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer who is credited with discovering the Americas in 1492. Columbus Day has been celebrated as a federal holiday in the United States since 1937. It is a day to commemorate Columbus's historic voyage and his role in the European exploration and colonization of the Americas. It is also a day to celebrate the contributions of Italian Americans to American society. However, the observance of Columbus Day has become controversial in recent years, with many people calling for the holiday to be renamed or abolished. Critics argue that Columbus's arrival in the Americas marked the beginning of a long history of exploitation and mistreatment of Native American communities. They also point out that Columbus was not the first European to reach the Americas, and that his legacy is not one of heroism and discovery, but of violence and oppression. As a result, many states and cities across the United States have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day, which celebrates the contributions and resilience of Native American communities. Others have chosen to recognize both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day, or to celebrate alternative holidays that focus on Italian American culture and heritage.