
Columbus Day is a U.S. holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, and Columbus Day 2019 is on Monday, October 11, 2022. It was unofficially celebrated in a number of cities and states as early as the 18th century, but did not become a federal holiday until 1937. For many, the holiday is a way of both honoring Columbus’ achievements and celebrating Italian-American heritage. But throughout its history, Columbus Day and the man who inspired it have generated controversy, and many alternatives to the holiday have proposed since the 1970s including Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Indigenous Peoples Day
The image of Christopher Columbus as an intrepid hero has also been called into question. Upon arriving in the Bahamas, the explorer and his men forced the native peoples they found there into slavery. Later, while serving as the governor of Hispaniola, he allegedly imposed barbaric forms of punishment, including torture.
In many Latin American nations, the anniversary of Columbus’ landing has traditionally been observed as the Dìa de la Raza (“Day of the Race”), a celebration of Hispanic culture’s diverse roots. In 2002, Venezuela renamed the holiday Dìa de la Resistencia Indìgena (“Day of Indigenous Resistance”) to recognize native peoples and their experience.
Here is everything you need to know about what’s open and what’s closed on Columbus Day 2022.
Is Columbus Day a federal holiday?
Columbus Day is a state and federal holiday. It’s the eighth of 11 federal holidays, with Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas to follow.
The only state that doesn’t consider Columbus Day a holiday is Hawaii. The second Monday in October is referred to as Discoverers’ Day instead, but it is not a state holiday in Hawaii.
Is there mail delivery on Columbus Day 2022? Does the mail run?
There will be no mail delivered on Columbus Day, but FedEx and UPS will still be making deliveries.
Is the post office open on Columbus Day 2022?
United States Postal Service offices will be closed.
Are banks open on Columbus Day?
The only major bank chain planning to remain open is TD Bank.
Source: Katherine Rodriguez | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com