Columbus Day
History and traditions of Columbus Day
Even though it has been centuries since Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue, Columbus Day only became a federal holiday in 1970. Columbus Day was created to honor the famous explorer and his “discovery” of North America.
History of Columbus Day
Christopher Columbus (1451–1505) was born to a wool merchant and weaver in Genoa, Italy. At the age of 14, he went to sea and sailed on merchant voyages for two decades to lands as far away as Iceland. Columbus’ request to explore “the Indies” was turned down by King John of Portugal, but King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain agreed to fund his travel. In 1492, Columbus and 90 crewmen on the Niña, Pinta and the flagship Santa Maria, set sail in search of the East Indies.
Contrary to current belief, sailors in the 15th century already knew that the world was round; however, Columbus and his men had seriously underestimated how big the world was. In his four voyages to the New World, Columbus visited many Caribbean islands and discovered the South American mainland, but he actually never saw North America!
Columbus Day Activities
Colorado was the first state to declare Columbus Day an official holiday in 1905, and it became a federal holiday in 1970. Educators use Columbus Day to teach about geography and exploration. Many businesses, federal agencies and schools are closed on the actual Columbus Day holiday, commemorated on the second Monday in October, which also happens to be Thanksgiving Day in Canada. Many Italian-Americans celebrate Columbus Day as a recognition of their heritage; in Boston, the Sunday before Columbus Day is marked with an annual parade. Many other communities and groups host a Columbus Day celebration with picnics and concerts; areas near the water may even reenact a Columbus Day regatta.
Columbus Day Controversy
The notion that Christopher Columbus was responsible for more destruction and violence than progress in his explorations has gained a following, especially in more recent years. Many groups, especially groups of indigenous peoples, have opposed Columbus Day celebrations as a protest to the cruel treatment received by native populations at the hands of Columbus and his men. The city of Berkeley, California, for example, celebrates “Indigenous People’s Day” instead of acknowledging the Columbus Day holiday. Activities during Indigenous People’s Day include a Native American market and a powwow, which is a gathering of Native Americans with dancing and singing to honor American Indian culture.
