Columbus Day, celebrated on the second Monday in October, is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates Christopher Columbus’s landing in the Americas in 1492. While the holiday has traditionally been recognized across the country, its observance has become a subject of significant debate and variation in recent years. Different states and localities have chosen to celebrate or not celebrate Columbus Day based on their historical perspectives, cultural values, and social activism. This article provides an in-depth look at which states celebrate Columbus Day, the history behind the holiday, and the ongoing discussions surrounding its observance.
Historical Background of Columbus Day
Columbus Day was established as a federal holiday in 1937 to honor Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer who is credited with opening the Americas to European exploration and colonization. Columbus’s voyages, funded by the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, are often hailed as pivotal moments in world history, marking the beginning of sustained contact between Europe and the Americas.
The holiday was intended to celebrate the achievements of Columbus and the broader spirit of exploration. However, as historical understanding has evolved, the legacy of Columbus has become increasingly controversial. For many Indigenous peoples and their allies, Columbus Day represents the beginning of a painful history of colonization, displacement, and cultural destruction.
Observance of Columbus Day Across States
Despite its federal designation, Columbus Day is not uniformly observed across the United States. Various states and municipalities have adopted different approaches, ranging from full observance to official recognition of alternative holidays that better reflect contemporary values and historical perspectives.
States That Celebrate Columbus Day
As of 2024, the following states continue to officially recognize Columbus Day as a public holiday:
New York: New York State is one of the most prominent celebrants of Columbus Day. The state has a strong Italian-American community, and the holiday is celebrated with parades and events in cities like New York City, which hosts one of the largest Columbus Day parades in the nation.
New Jersey: Similar to New York, New Jersey has a significant Italian-American population, and Columbus Day is observed with various local events and parades.
Ohio: As the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Ohio holds Columbus Day in high regard. The state observes the holiday with public ceremonies and educational events.
Connecticut: Columbus Day is observed in Connecticut, with schools and public offices closed on the holiday.
Illinois: Illinois celebrates Columbus Day, especially in Chicago, where the Italian-American community holds parades and cultural events.
States That Do Not Celebrate Columbus Day
Several states have chosen to either not observe Columbus Day or to replace it with alternative holidays that honor Indigenous peoples and reflect a more inclusive historical perspective:
South Dakota: South Dakota officially observes Native American Day on the second Monday in October, in place of Columbus Day. This holiday recognizes and celebrates the contributions and cultures of Native American communities.
Alaska: Alaska has replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day, reflecting the state’s commitment to acknowledging and honoring its diverse Native populations.
Hawaii: Hawaii does not officially celebrate Columbus Day. Instead, the state observes Discoverers’ Day, which commemorates the Polynesian explorers who arrived in Hawaii long before Columbus.
Oregon: Oregon has replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day, reflecting the state’s growing recognition of Native American history and contributions.
Vermont: Vermont celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day instead of Columbus Day, recognizing the importance of Indigenous cultures and histories.
Minnesota: Minnesota has adopted Indigenous Peoples Day, emphasizing the state’s commitment to honoring Native American heritage.
States With Mixed Observance
In some states, observance of Columbus Day varies by locality. For example:
California: While California observes Columbus Day at the state level, some cities and counties have opted to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day instead.
Colorado: Columbus Day is observed in Colorado, but there are efforts in various communities to promote Indigenous Peoples Day and raise awareness about the impacts of colonization.
The Controversy Surrounding Columbus Day
The debate over Columbus Day reflects broader discussions about historical memory, cultural sensitivity, and the impact of colonialism. Critics of Columbus Day argue that celebrating the holiday perpetuates a Eurocentric view of history and overlooks the suffering experienced by Indigenous peoples as a result of European colonization. For many Indigenous communities, Columbus represents the beginning of a long history of violence, displacement, and cultural erosion.
In response to these concerns, many states and localities have chosen to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day or similar observances that honor Indigenous cultures and acknowledge the historical injustices faced by Native communities. The growing movement to replace Columbus Day reflects a broader shift towards more inclusive and accurate representations of history.
How States Are Reframing Historical Commemoration
The move away from Columbus Day in favor of Indigenous Peoples Day and other alternative observances highlights a growing recognition of the need to reframe historical commemoration in a way that respects and honors all perspectives. This shift involves:
Educational Initiatives: Many states and localities are incorporating more comprehensive and accurate histories into educational curricula, focusing on the experiences of Indigenous peoples and the impacts of colonization.
Public Events and Celebrations: States that have adopted Indigenous Peoples Day often host events that celebrate Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contributions. These events provide an opportunity for education and dialogue about historical and contemporary issues facing Native communities.
Legislative Action: The adoption of alternative holidays often involves legislative action, reflecting a commitment to acknowledging and addressing historical injustices. This process involves collaboration between lawmakers, community leaders, and advocacy groups.
The Impact of Alternative Holidays
The adoption of Indigenous Peoples Day and similar observances represents a significant shift in how history is remembered and celebrated. These alternative holidays provide an opportunity to:
Honor Indigenous Contributions: By celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day, communities acknowledge the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Native peoples throughout history and today.
Promote Understanding: Alternative holidays foster greater understanding and dialogue about the impacts of colonization and the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities.
Encourage Inclusivity: The shift towards more inclusive holidays reflects a commitment to recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives and experiences.
See also: Is Veterans Day a Federal Holiday?
Conclusion
The observance of Columbus Day varies widely across the United States, reflecting diverse historical perspectives and cultural values. While some states continue to celebrate the holiday, others have chosen to adopt alternative observances that honor Indigenous peoples and reflect a more inclusive view of history. The ongoing debate surrounding Columbus Day highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing historical injustices and fostering greater understanding and respect for all communities.
As the conversation around Columbus Day continues to evolve, it is crucial to engage in thoughtful dialogue and consider the diverse perspectives of those affected by historical events. By doing so, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable future that honors the contributions and experiences of all people.