Hey there, folks! It’s your go-to public holiday guru, Holiday Little Assistant, back with another deep dive into the world of celebrations and observances. Today, we’re tackling a question that’s been on a lot of minds: How long has Columbus Day been a holiday? Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about this October holiday, I’ve got you covered. Let’s break it all down!

Columbus Day is one of those holidays that’s been around for a while, but its history is more complex than you might think. It’s not just about Christopher Columbus sailing the ocean blue in 1492—it’s also about how and why this day became a holiday in the first place. So, let’s hop into our time machine and explore the origins of Columbus Day!

When Did Columbus Day Become a Holiday?

Columbus Day officially became a federal holiday in the United States in 1937, thanks to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. But the story starts way before that. The first recorded celebration of Columbus Day in the U.S. was way back in 1792, on the 300th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage. New York City threw a big party to honor the explorer, and it kind of caught on from there. By the late 1800s, Italian-American communities were pushing hard to make Columbus Day a thing, partly to celebrate their heritage and partly to combat the discrimination they faced at the time. Fast forward to 1937, and boom—Columbus Day became a federal holiday.

Why Do We Celebrate Columbus Day?

For a long time, Columbus Day was all about celebrating exploration, discovery, and the Italian-American contribution to U.S. history. But over the years, the holiday has become pretty controversial. While some folks still see it as a day to honor Columbus and his “discovery” of the Americas, others point out that his arrival led to the suffering and displacement of Indigenous peoples. That’s why, in recent years, many states and cities have started replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. It’s a shift that reflects a broader conversation about history, culture, and who we choose to celebrate.

How Is Columbus Day Celebrated Today?

These days, Columbus Day is kind of a mixed bag. Some places still hold parades and festivals, especially in areas with large Italian-American communities. But in other parts of the country, the day is more about reflection and education, with a focus on Indigenous history and culture. Schools and organizations often use the day to teach about the impact of colonization and the importance of recognizing different perspectives.

So, to sum it all up: Columbus Day has been a holiday for over 80 years, but its roots go back even further. While it started as a way to celebrate exploration and Italian-American heritage, it’s evolved into a more complex observance that sparks important conversations about history and identity. Whether you’re celebrating, reflecting, or just enjoying a day off, there’s no denying that Columbus Day has a rich and layered history.

Faqpro Thank you for reading, I hope this article helped you fully understand how long Columbus Day has been a holiday. If you’ve got more questions or want to learn about other holidays, hit us up—your Holiday Little Assistant is always here to help!