Columbus Day is a national holiday in the United States that is celebrated every year on the second Monday in October. It commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas on October 12, 1492. Here we explore the history of this holiday and share some fun facts about Christopher Columbus.

History of Columbus Day

Columbus Day was first celebrated in 1792, 300 years after the voyage of Christopher Columbus. It was originally observed on October 12, the actual day that Columbus arrived in the Americas. In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared it a national holiday to honor and recognize the achievements of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus.

However, the origins of Columbus Day are controversial as it also marks the beginning of colonization and the displacement and mistreatment of indigenous peoples in the Americas. This has led to some states in the US choosing not to observe this holiday and instead celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day or Native American Day.

Fun Facts about Christopher Columbus

• Christopher Columbus was not actually Italian but rather from the Republic of Genoa, which is now part of modern-day Italy.

• He originally set out to find a western trade route to Asia but mistakenly landed in the Caribbean islands.

• Contrary to popular belief, Columbus did not believe the Earth was flat. He actually believed it was pear-shaped.

• The three ships that Columbus sailed with were named the Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria.

• Columbus Day is also celebrated in many countries in Latin America and the Caribbean as Día de la Raza (Day of the Race).

• There are several statues of Columbus around the world, including one in Barcelona, Spain, where he is buried.

• The first time Columbus Day was celebrated as a national holiday was in 1892 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus' voyage.

• In some cities in the US, there are parades and festivals held on Columbus Day, particularly in areas with large Italian-American populations.

• The holiday is also a popular time for retailers to hold sales and promotions, similar to Labor Day or Memorial Day.

Columbus Day continues to be an important holiday in the US, marking both a significant historical event and the contributions of Italian-Americans. However, it is also important to acknowledge and educate ourselves on the impact of colonization on indigenous peoples. Let us use this holiday as an opportunity to learn about different cultures and histories and work towards a more inclusive future. So, on your next Columbus Day, take a moment to reflect on the past and celebrate the diversity that makes our country so unique.