Columbus Day is a national holiday in numerous countries of the Americas and a federal holiday in the United States. It is an official commemoration of the anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas. On 12 October 1994, Columbus proceeded ashore at Guanahaní, an island in the Bahamas. However, Columbus Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October annually. The date has been the subject of controversy in recent years because of Columbus’ treatment of indigenous peoples.
Columbus Day 2023 Date
It is observed by various countries in the Americas, Spain, Italy, and various Little Italys across the world honoring Christopher Columbus' arrival. This year, Columbus Day in the USA will be celebrated on Monday, 9 October 2023.
Columbus Day Meaning
The day is all about remembering Christopher Columbus's entrance into the Americas and the beginning the reign of European colonization. The day is also seen as a celebration of Italian-American heritage, as Columbus was an Italian explorer.
History of Columbus Day
On the 12th of October in 1492, Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas and explored the New World. That is the main reason why it is celebrated in the United States. Christopher Columbus was a Genoa native in Italy, and the Italian-American community tried to honor him for many. It was primarily celebrated in 1792, the 300th anniversary of Columbus’s entry into the Americas. The then U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in 1937, proclaimed it as a national holiday.
Columbus Day Weekend
A 3-day weekend during the occasion begins on Saturday culminating on the second Monday in October. It is a popular weekend for many Americans for outdoor doors such as traveling, camping, forest picnics, adventurous trips, etc. The weather at this time is normally mild and pleasant in several states. Many states arrange various events during the weekend which include parades, concerts, cultural shows, and many more.
Columbus Day Celebrations
Italian Americans usually take the day as a celebration of their heritage. For others, the day can be comprehended as a day to recognize the contributions of immigrants to American society. The day celebrates the spirit of exploration and discovery that is central to human history. This day is a time for Italian Americans to celebrate their heritage and culture.