Columbus Day is a holiday which commemorates the discovery of America in 1492, by navigator Christopher Columbus and his crew of 90 men. This holiday is observed both in the United States, and in Mexico where it is known as Dia de la Raza (The Day of the Races).

Columbus believed that the world was round, and that a crossing the Atlantic Ocean would provide a shorter route to trade with Asia. Queen Isabella of Spain sponsored Columbus' expedition. By being the first country to find a short water route to Asia, Spain could use the opportunity to claim new lands for colonization, profit from lucrative trade with Asia, and spread Christianity to Asian natives. On August 3, 1492 Columbus set sail with his three ships on his quest to cross the Atlantic. On October 12, 1492 they landed on what is now the island of San Salvador. They believed they had reached India. Since that time, Native Americans have been known as Indians. After 4 voyages to the New World, Columbus explored many of the islands of the West Indies including Cuba, and Jamaica, but never discovered the mainland. After an unsuccessful career as Governor of the Spanish West Indies, Columbus returned to Spain where he died.

In Mexico, Columbus Day is a legal holiday and is called Dia de la Raza which means "the Day of the Races". It commemorates Columbus' discovery of America, and the history of the races which compose the Mexican people. It is a day Mexicans use to explore both their Spanish and Indian roots.

Though Columbus Day is one of the 10 US legal federal holidays, it is not considered a major one. All government offices are closed, but most businesses remain open. Retail stores may run special sales. The largest celebration of Columbus Day is in New York City, which hosts a huge parade. Communities with large Italian American populations may hold special Columbus Day festivities.

The first Columbus Day Celebration in the USA, was held in New York City in 1792. It was in honor of the 300th anniversary of Columbus's discovery of America. In 1869 Italian Americans in San Francisco observed Columbus Day on October 12th. In 1905 Colorado became the first state to officially observe Columbus Day. In 1971 President Richard Nixon made Columbus Day a legal federal holiday and moved its observance to the second Monday in October.

Note: This holiday is one of Calendar Mine's over 500 built-in observances.

See Also

Holiday Catalogue

American (USA) Observances

Indigenous Peoples Day