10 Fascinating Facts About Columbus Day You Probably Didn’t Know
Every year on the second Monday in October, Americans celebrate Columbus Day in remembrance of the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, who is credited with discovering America. The holiday has been around since 1937, and while Columbus Day is widely recognized, there are many interesting facts about the holiday that you may not know. Here are ten surprising facts about Columbus Day.
1. Columbus Day wasn’t always celebrated on the second Monday in October.
When Columbus Day was first recognized as a holiday in 1937, it was celebrated on October 12, which is believed to be the day that Columbus first set foot on the Americas in 1492. However, in 1971, Columbus Day was moved to the second Monday in October as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.
2. Columbus Day is not a federal holiday in all states.
While Columbus Day is a federal holiday, it is not recognized as an official holiday in all states. In fact, several states, including Hawaii, Alaska, and Oregon, do not celebrate Columbus Day at all.
3. Columbus Day was originally celebrated to unite immigrants.
Italian-Americans began celebrating Columbus Day in the 1800s as a way to honor their heritage and pay tribute to Columbus, who was also Italian. It wasn’t until years later that the holiday became a national event.
4. Columbus never set foot in North America.
Contrary to popular belief, Columbus never actually set foot in what is now the United States. Instead, he explored the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
5. Many countries celebrate Columbus Day on different days.
While the United States celebrates Columbus Day on the second Monday in October, other countries celebrate the holiday on different days. Some countries, like Spain, celebrate Columbus Day on October 12, while others, like Mexico, celebrate on the second Monday in October.
6. Columbus Day is a controversial holiday.
The celebration of Columbus Day is controversial for many reasons. Some argue that the holiday glorifies a man who committed atrocities against indigenous peoples, while others argue that it celebrates Italian heritage and the discovery of America.
7. Some cities have changed the name of Columbus Day.
In recent years, some cities have changed the name of Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day or Native American Day in an effort to recognize the indigenous peoples who were displaced and mistreated by Columbus and his followers.
8. Columbus Day is a popular day for parades.
Many cities across the United States hold parades and other celebrations in honor of Columbus Day. The largest Columbus Day parade in the world is held in New York City and attracts over one million spectators each year.
9. Columbus Day is not celebrated in Latin America.
Despite Columbus’ role in exploring Latin America, Columbus Day is not widely celebrated in Latin America. In fact, some countries, like Venezuela and Nicaragua, have changed the name of the holiday to Dia de la Resistencia Indigena (Day of Indigenous Resistance).
10. Columbus Day inspired the Pledge of Allegiance.
In 1892, President Benjamin Harrison declared Columbus Day a national holiday and encouraged schools to celebrate the day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. This tradition continues today, with many schools reciting the Pledge on Columbus Day.
In conclusion, while Columbus Day is widely recognized as a national holiday in the United States, there are many fascinating facts about the holiday that are not widely known. From changing the date of the holiday to renaming the day in honor of indigenous peoples, these facts highlight the complex and often controversial history of Columbus Day.
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