Columbus Day is a U.S. holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas. Let’s dive deep into the significance of this day.
Columbus Day is a national holiday in many countries of the United States. Elsewhere, the commemoration of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas takes place on October 12, 1492. Although, celebration of Christopher Columbus’ voyage in the early United States is recorded from as early as 1792.
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus was an Italian-born explorer who set sail in August 1492. He bound for Asia with a support from the Spanish monarchs King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. They aboard the ships, namely, the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. Columbus intended to chart a western sea route to China, India and the fabled gold and spice islands of Asia. Instead, on October 12, 1492, he landed in the Bahamas, being the first European to explore the Americas since the Vikings. The latter established colonies in Greenland and Newfoundland during the 10th century.
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The first Columbus Day celebration took place in 1792. When New York’s Columbian Order Tammany Hall held an event to commemorate the historic landing’s 300th anniversary. However, this day remains a national holiday, given the criticism surrounding the day. As a result of which, some states and cities have opted to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead. The holiday celebrates Native American people, their histories and cultures.
