Introduction
Each October, the United States observes Columbus Day, a federal holiday marking the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. In 2025, Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 13. ca2.uscourts.gov+2federalpay.org+2
But the holiday’s meaning is contested: for many, it’s a celebration of Italian-American heritage; for others, it’s a reminder of colonization’s tragic effects on Indigenous peoples. In recent years, many states and cities also observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the same date. Wikipedia+2Almanac+2
This article explores Columbus Day’s roots, the evolving debate around it, and how communities approach it today.
1. History and Origin of Columbus Day
- Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage, when he landed in what is now the Bahamas — though he believed he had reached Asia. Encyclopedia Britannica+2Almanac+2
- The day was first celebrated in a local manner in the late 18th century (for instance, the 300th anniversary in 1792 by the Society of St. Tammany in New York). Almanac+1
- It became a federal holiday in 1937 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and since 1971 has been observed on the second Monday in October. Almanac+2Encyclopedia Britannica+2
2. Columbus Day 2025: Date & Federal Recognition
- In 2025, Columbus Day will be observed on Monday, October 13. federalpay.org+2Calendarr+2
- As a federal holiday, many government offices, courts, and postal services will be closed. Calendarr+2National Today+2
- Not all states fully observe it; some use alternative names (like Indigenous Peoples’ Day). National Today+3Calendarr+3Wikipedia+3
3. The Debate: Criticism & Alternative Observances
A. Criticisms of Columbus Day
- Colonial legacy: Columbus’s arrival initiated European colonization, leading to displacement, violence, and disease among Indigenous populations.
- Historical inaccuracy: Columbus did not “discover” the Americas; Indigenous peoples already inhabited the land, and other explorers (e.g. Vikings) had reached parts earlier.
- Moral re-evaluation: Many argue we should not celebrate a figure associated with exploitation and oppression.
B. Rise of Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day is observed in many cities and states on the same date, honoring Indigenous cultures, histories, and resilience. Wikipedia+2Almanac+2
- In 2021, President Joe Biden began formally recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day in his proclamations, though Columbus Day remains a federal holiday. Wikipedia+2AP News+2
- Some people view the two observances not as oppositional but as an opportunity for more balanced historical remembrance.
4. How People Observe Columbus Day Today
- Parades and cultural events: Especially in Italian-American communities, celebrating heritage, food, and contributions.
- Educational programs: Many schools hold lessons or performances about exploration, Columbus’s voyages, and Indigenous history.
- Reconciliation events: In places observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day, ceremonies, talks, and memorials focus on Indigenous histories.
- Protests and activism: In some communities, Columbus statues and monuments are re-examined and in some cases removed or repurposed.
5. Why It Matters in 2025
- Columbus Day remains a symbolic flashpoint in debates about American historical narratives, national identity, and whose voices are prioritized.
- As movements for equity, historical justice, and recognition of Indigenous rights gain strength, how we mark this day continues to evolve.
- For readers, Columbus Day presents an opportunity: to reflect critically on history, engage in dialogue, and consider how public memory is shaped.
🔚 Conclusion
Columbus Day in 2025 is more than a federal day off. It sits at the crossroads of celebration, remembrance, and critical reckoning. Whether observed as Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, or both, the date encourages reflection on heritage, power, and how we honor the past.
🔑 Engagement Question:
How would you prefer your community mark October 13 — as Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, both, or with a different name altogether — and why?
Light CTA:
If this article made you think, share it — open the conversation in your community. And check back for our upcoming piece on “How U.S. Holidays Reflect Cultural Change in 2025.”
