Columbus Day 2024

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Columbus Day History, Date, and Controversy

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Columbus Day occurs on the second Monday in October. In 2024, it will be observed on Monday, October 14. Why do we observe Columbus Day? Why is there controversy behind it? Here’s a brief history of the holiday.

What Is Columbus Day?

Columbus Day is a federal U.S. holiday commemorating the voyage and landing of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus in the “New World” on October 12, 1492. 

The anniversary of his landing in what would eventually be known as the Americas was first formally celebrated 300 years later, in 1792, by the Columbian Order (Society of St. Tammany) in New York City.

When Is Columbus Day?

Columbus Day is observed on the second Monday in October each year. This means that the date changes from year to year.

In 2024, Columbus Day will be observed on Monday, October 14.

Columbus Day Dates
YearColumbus Day
2024Monday, October 14
2025Monday, October 13
2026Monday, October 12
2027Monday, October 11

A Brief History of Columbus Day

In Christopher Columbus’ day, scholars knew already that the world was round; the fact dates from the ancient Greeks. People assumed a ship traveling west from Europe would sail through to Asia. However, many believed that such a westward journey was impossible. Columbus, an Italian, was convinced otherwise and persuaded King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain to sponsor his exploration and search for riches.

On October 12, 1492, Columbus landed on a small island in the Bahamas (now known as San Salvador, previously Watling’s Island), convinced that he had reached his destination of Asia. Although he was not the first European to come across the Americas (Vikings, among others, had visited before), his journey sparked enthusiasm for European exploration of the hemisphere. It kicked off a significant connection between the Old World and the New World.

The first celebration of Columbus’s landing in the New World occurred in 1792. It was organized by the Columbian Order (Society of St. Tammany) in New York City. In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the occasion a national holiday. Columbus Day has been observed on the second Monday of October since 1971.

Thanks to Columbus’ Italian heritage, some Italian-American circles celebrate Columbus Day as a holiday celebrating Italian history, culture, and accomplishments. 

Columbus Day Controversy

The observance of Columbus Day is not without controversy, however. Although Columbus’ landing in the New World marked the start of a new age of exploration and development for the world, the reality of European colonization is that it brought disease, enslavement, and genocide to the indigenous people of the Americas. This part of colonial history has largely been overlooked in Columbus Day celebrations. However, this has been changing in recent decades, with more and more cities and states choosing to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Some locations in the United States honor Native American culture on the second Monday in October with a holiday called Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Since the late 1980s, this day has been celebrated instead of or alongside Columbus Day. 

The purpose of Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not to erase Columbus Day from history but rather to recognize, honor, and celebrate the Native American cultures and people who have inhabited the Americas since long before European explorers arrived.

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Coincidentally, Columbus Day weekend is often when the fall foliage peaks in some regions of North America. Learn why fall leaves change color!

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana. Read More from Catherine Boeckmann