Columbus Day, observed on the second Monday of October, has been a federal holiday since 1937. As with many other federal holidays, people often wonder whether government offices, schools, and post offices are open. But did you know there’s more to this day than just closures and sales? In this article, we’ll share fun facts about Columbus Day while answering important questions like, “is Columbus Day a national holiday?”, “is school closed on Columbus Day?”, and much more. Plus, we’ll explore the rise of Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024 as an alternative celebration.
1. Columbus Day Wasn’t Always a National Holiday
Although Columbus Day was first celebrated by Italian-Americans in the 19th century, it wasn’t officially recognized as a national holiday until President Franklin D. Roosevelt made it a federal holiday in 1937. Before that, only a few states, such as New York and Colorado, recognized the holiday. Today, many people still wonder, “is Columbus Day a national holiday?”, and the answer remains yes—though it’s becoming less universally celebrated.
Is Today a Federal Holiday?
Yes, Columbus Day is indeed a federal holiday. As a federal holiday, government offices, including post offices and federal courts, are typically closed. However, some states and municipalities have opted to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024 instead of, or alongside, Columbus Day. This brings us to our next fun fact.
2. Some States No Longer Celebrate Columbus Day
Fun Facts About Columbus Day: Over the years, there has been a growing movement to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, as Columbus’ legacy has become controversial. States like Maine, New Mexico, and Vermont have already replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor Native American cultures and history. This means that while Columbus Day is still a federal holiday, not every state observes it in the same way.
In areas where Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024 is celebrated, you might not see traditional Columbus Day events like parades. Instead, there might be cultural activities and educational events that focus on the history and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
3. Is the Post Office Open on Columbus Day 2024?
One of the most common questions surrounding Columbus Day is, “is the post office open on Columbus Day 2024?” The answer is no—since Columbus Day is a federal holiday, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is closed, and no regular mail will be delivered. However, private carriers like UPS and FedEx often continue their operations, though with modified schedules.
4. Columbus Day Sales Are a Big Deal
Fun Facts About Columbus Day: Despite the controversy surrounding Columbus Day, it remains a significant day for retail. Many retailers use the holiday as an opportunity to offer major discounts. Columbus Day sales often rival those of Labor Day or even Black Friday, with discounts on everything from appliances to clothing. If you’re looking for deals, this could be one of the best shopping days of the fall.
5. Is School Closed on Columbus Day?
Fun Facts About Columbus Day: Whether schools are closed on Columbus Day depends largely on where you live. In states and cities that still recognize Columbus Day as a public holiday, public schools are generally closed. However, in places where Indigenous Peoples’ Day has been adopted, schools may remain open, with special programs or lessons focused on Native American history and culture.
Parents often find themselves asking, “is school closed on Columbus Day?” so it’s best to check with local school districts for their holiday schedules. Colleges and universities also vary, with some closing and others continuing their regular operations.
6. Columbus Day Parades: A Tradition in Some Cities
Fun Facts About Columbus Day: While Columbus Day has lost favor in some areas, it remains a major event in cities like New York, where the Columbus Day Parade is a long-standing tradition. Italian-American communities in particular celebrate this day with cultural pride, reflecting on their heritage and contributions to American society. Even as Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024 grows in prominence, these parades continue to draw thousands of attendees.
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7. Is Today a Federal Holiday? Yes, and Here’s What’s Closed
Fun Facts About Columbus Day: Since Columbus Day is a federal holiday, government services, including courts, the IRS, and social security offices, are closed. This often leads people to ask, “is today a federal holiday?” to plan their day. However, unlike some other federal holidays, not all businesses or organizations close for Columbus Day. Banks, for example, typically remain open, though some branches may close, depending on their location.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s typically closed on Columbus Day:
- Federal offices (closed)
- Schools (varies)
- Banks (varies)
- Post office (closed)
- Stock market (open)
- Public transportation (limited service)
8. Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024: A Growing Celebration
Fun Facts About Columbus Day: As Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024 gains popularity, more cities and states are choosing to honor Native American culture on this day. This shift reflects a broader recognition of the history of colonization and its impact on Indigenous peoples. Events and activities on Indigenous Peoples Day 2024 often include cultural exhibitions, storytelling, and educational programs aimed at promoting awareness of Native American history.
While Columbus Day focuses on the arrival of Europeans in the Americas, Indigenous Peoples Day seeks to emphasize the rich history and contributions of the continent’s original inhabitants.
9. Why Do Some People Still Celebrate Columbus Day?
Despite the growing momentum behind Indigenous Peoples’ Day, many people continue to celebrate Columbus Day, particularly within Italian-American communities. For many, the holiday represents not just Columbus himself, but also the experiences of Italian immigrants in the United States. These communities use Columbus Day as a time to celebrate their heritage and remember the struggles and contributions of past generations.
10. What’s Open on Columbus Day?
To summarize, here’s what you can expect to find open and closed on Columbus Day:
- Post office: Closed
- Federal offices: Closed
- Banks: Some may close, but most remain open
- Stock market: Open
- Retail stores: Open, with sales
- Public transportation: Holiday schedule
If you’re ever unsure about what’s open on Columbus Day, it’s always best to call ahead or check online for specific operating hours.
Conclusion: A Day of Reflection and Change
Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024 continue to reflect the changing perceptions of history in the U.S. While some people view Columbus Day as a day to honor exploration and Italian-American heritage, others see it as a reminder of the negative impacts of European colonization. The rise of Indigenous Peoples’ Day marks an important shift toward acknowledging the voices and stories of Native Americans.
No matter how you choose to observe the day, knowing whether it’s a federal holiday, “is the post office open on Columbus Day 2024?”, or “is school closed on Columbus Day”, is essential for planning. The continued evolution of these holidays reminds us that history is complex and worth revisiting from multiple perspectives.
