Columbus Day also known as the indigenous peoples’ holiday is a U.S. occasion that honors the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, and Columbus Day 2023 happens on Monday, October 9. Before we get into the details and answer the major question: Is Columbus Day still a federal holiday? When & why is it celebrated? Let me give you a little background.
Who Was Columbus?
Back in the day, there was not much knowledge about the world from every country’s perspective. Thus, we had some travelers who were named “explorers” – Columbus was one of such people. So around 7 centuries ago, in the late fourteen hundred, Spanish kings and monarchs decided to make one explorer go on a journey to discover the world. This selected person was Christopher Columbus, who set sail for Asia.
Exactly What Did Columbus Discover?
Well, first he set sail for Chine – he wanted to make a sea route discovered forever between Spain and Asia (especially China and India) and he did that, but with some mistakes, one might add.
He discovered Cuba – although he thought it was China and recorded it as such, it was a discovery nonetheless.
What Did He Achieve?
Well, he made more than one visit to this other world, yet on his return from the first journey, he bought gold, rare spices, and prisoners from India which – was the main goal all along. Nonetheless, he made many more visits until he could not make any more in the early fifteen hundred.
So, let’s break down our initial question: Is Columbus Day a federal holiday? When and Why is it celebrated.
When is Columbus Day 2023?
Well, the day changes every year but Columbus Day 2023 happens on Monday, October 9. So, it is nearing – and there are some huge Columbus Day sales on the way.
Why is Columbus Day Celebrated?
This one is obvious, right? Columbus did some dirty work for the Spanish monarchs, but he did achieve something no other “explorer” of that time was able to achieve. He bought back some captives, but also drew the maps and brought the world together once and for all. That’s why Columbus Day is celebrated to this day.
Is Columbus Day a Federal Holiday?
Well, this is not a binary question. Of course, Columbus Day is a federal holiday. But not every state recognizes that. In some states of America, it is considered an off-day for most offices, while in other states like Alaska and Texas, the holiday is recognized but not as an off-day from office. Make sure you are in touch with the regulations for your state to know whether it is an off day there or not.
Why is Columbus Day not an Off Day for Some States?
This is the interesting part, The thing is Columbus is considered a hero for many centuries, but in the 20th century, his figure as a hero was brought into question by many people, because of the havoc this “hero” had brought upon the world with him.
Due to him things like influenza and smallpox came to America, plus a new route to slavery was opened and it divided many people and created a civil war of a situation. Meaning? If Columbus had not embarked on his journey we would have been saved a lot of trouble, and American history would not have been tainted this much as it is today.
Thus, some people just don’t feel like celebrating this day and this “hero” which is why it is not an off day for offices in many states.
Conclusion
This article is supposed to explain to you whether or not Columbus Day is a federal holiday plus when and why is it celebrated. This by no means is a very accurate depiction of history. I have outlined what I know to the best of my knowledge adding my own opinion on the subject.
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