When is Columbus Day 2024? Exploring the Legacy of Christopher Columbus

Every year, the second Monday of October is observed as Columbus Day and celebrates the anniversary of arrival of Christopher Columbus in America. Columbus arrived in America on 12 October 1492 and since 1972 the day started to be observed as Columbus Day. The celebrations were later moved to be observed on second Monday of October every year. Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States.

Columbus Day Quick Overview

Columbus Day Date

Check below the dates of upcoming celebration of Columbus day:

Significance of Columbus Day

Columbus Day is the celebration of discovery of America by the Italian explorer and navigator, Christopher Columbus. Columbus started on a voyage in the search of Asia to bring back resources such as spices but instead ended up discovering America on October 12, 1492. Initial celebration of the day took place on October 12, 1792, when the Columbian Order of New York held an event to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the historic landing.

Origin of Columbus Day Celebration

Columbus Day was first observed in the US in 1792 by the Tammany Society in New York and the Massachusetts Historical Society. October 12, 1792 marked the 300th anniversary of landing of Columbus in the Americas and was celebrated with an event. Columbus day has been a federal holiday since 1937, being observed on every year on 12 October. Columbus Day was assigned to the second Monday of October in 1971.

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Who was Christopher Columbus?

Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer and navigator who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. His voyages opened the way for the widespread European exploration and colonization of the Americas. Columbus’s expeditions were the first known European contact with South America, Central America and the Caribbean. After this enormous discovery, trade of commodities started between Europe and America, known as the Columbian exchange.

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Columbus Day Wishes

1. “On Columbus Day, let’s remember the spirit of exploration and discovery that has shaped our world. May you embark on new adventures and uncover exciting horizons!”
2. “Wishing you a happy Columbus Day filled with curiosity and the courage to explore new frontiers in your life.”
3. “As we commemorate Columbus Day, let’s also reflect on the importance of respecting and preserving the cultures and lands we encounter on our journeys.”
4. “May Columbus Day inspire you to set sail on the seas of opportunity and chart your course toward success and fulfillment.”
5. “On this Columbus Day, let’s celebrate the spirit of adventure and the enduring quest for knowledge and understanding.”
6. “Happy Columbus Day! May your day be filled with the thrill of discovery and the joy of exploring new possibilities.”
7. “As we remember Columbus’s voyage, let’s also remember the importance of unity and respect for all cultures. Happy Columbus Day!”
8. “Wishing you a Columbus Day filled with exploration, wonder, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of our world.”
9. “On Columbus Day, let’s honor the resilience and curiosity of explorers throughout history and the contributions they’ve made to our world.”
10. “May Columbus Day remind us to appreciate the beauty of our planet and the richness of its diverse cultures. Happy Columbus Day!”

Celebration

Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States with public offices and many schools observing a holiday. Many Italian-Americans celebrate this day with parades and street fairs. As an individual, you can celebrate this day by learning more about Columbus Day, Christopher Columbus, his discoveries and more. Many native groups use the day to honor the indigenous people of the Americas but do not celebrate it as Columbus Day as they were in opposition of the observance. They take this day as an opportunity to learn and teach about Native American culture and history, which many feel were violated by the arrival of Columbus.

Controversy about the holiday

Many people oppose the celebration of Columbus Day linking it to slavery, forced religion conversion and for bringing disease and destruction to America. Long before Columbus arrived, various indigenous peoples had been settled in the Americas. The main goal of Columbus’s expedition was to find riches and conquer and exploit the new lands. To achieve his goal, Columbus and his men mistreated the natives, and used slavery and violence as a means to fulfill them. Not only this, his men also forced natives to convert to Christianity and introduced a number of diseases in their communities. Many of these diseases ended up wiping out entire communities.

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