In addition, the land was already populated by indigenous peoples, who had 'discovered' the Americas thousands of years before.Ĭolumbus Day originated as a celebration of Italian-American heritage, due to the explorer´s origins in Italy. There is evidence that the first Europeans to sail across the Atlantic were Viking explorers from Scandinavia. However, this is controversial on many counts. He is sometimes portrayed as the discoverer of the New World. About Columbus DayĬhristopher Columbus is often portrayed as the first European to sail to the Americas. Since Columbus Day falls on Monday, it is one of the public holidays in the United States that always create a long weekend. The same goes for post offices - check with your local post office. Schools are not required to close but check with your school district or school calendar on Columbus Day school holiday closures. Many businesses and shops are open in states that don't have Columbus Day as a public holiday. Instead, they get the Friday after the fourth Thursday of November as a holiday. When this occurs, state employees do not get a day off on the second Monday of October. § 15-1-101 (2019), but the Governor can substitute the day after Thanksgiving for Columbus Day for the purpose of closing state offices. In Tennesse, Columbus Day is a legal holiday according to the Tenn. Some government offices are closed because Columbus Day is still a federal government holiday. What’s Open or Closed?Ĭolumbus day is a public holiday in many parts of the United states, but is not a day off in some states. Many states now celebrate Native Americans' Day/Indigenous People's Day instead of Columbus Day. In Hawaii Columbus Day is celebrated as Discoverers' Day, but it is not a state holiday. The celebrations in New York and San Francisco are particularly noteworthy. Many celebrations happen in the Italian-American community. In some towns and cities, special church services, parades and large events are held. Some Americans celebrate the anniversary of the discovery of their country with church services and other activities. Is Columbus Day a Public Holiday?Columbus Day 2023 is a state legal holiday in Tennessee, a state holiday in 22 states, and a federal holiday in 28 states. This is an important date in many Italian-American communities it is controversial in some Native American communities. Business Date to Date (exclude holidays)Ĭolumbus Day, which is on the second Monday of October, celebrates Christopher Columbus' arrival to the Americas on October 12, 1492.

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