Columbus Day
United States · 2026
About Columbus Day
Columbus Day is a US federal holiday observed on the second Monday of October, commemorating the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492. It has been observed in some form since the 18th century.
The holiday became a federal observance in 1937 after decades of advocacy by the Knights of Columbus and Italian-American communities who celebrated Columbus as a symbol of Italian heritage and Catholic faith. Columbus was Genoese (from present-day Italy).
In recent decades, the holiday has been renamed Indigenous Peoples' Day by many states and cities to honor Native American cultures and acknowledge the impact of European colonization on indigenous populations.
Quick Facts
- Date 2026
- October 12, 2026
- Day
- Monday
- Type
- Public
- Scope
- Regional
- Fixed Date
- No — date changes each year
- Traditions
- Italian-American parades · Cultural festivals · Educational events · Indigenous Peoples' Day observances
When is Columbus Day?
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 13, 2025 | Monday |
| 2026This year | October 12, 2026 | Monday |
| 2027 | October 11, 2027 | Monday |
3-Day Long Weekend
Because Columbus Day falls on a Monday, it creates a 3-day long weekend from Saturday, October 10 to Monday, October 12.
How is Columbus Day Celebrated?
Columbus Day is observed with parades — particularly in cities with large Italian-American communities like New York and San Francisco — as well as ceremonies at the Capitol and educational events. The Columbus Day Parade in New York City is one of the largest Italian-American celebrations in the world.
An increasing number of states and localities now celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day on the same date, hosting powwows, cultural events, and educational programs highlighting Native American history and contributions.
Did You Know?
- •Columbus never actually set foot on mainland North America — his voyages landed in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
- •Columbus Day has been a federal holiday since 1937, though Colorado began celebrating it as early as 1906.
- •At least 14 US states do not officially observe Columbus Day as a state holiday.
- •Hawaii celebrates Discoverers' Day on the same date, honoring Polynesian explorers.
- •Over 130 cities and counties have officially replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Regional Observance
Columbus Day is not observed nationwide — it applies to the following regions of United States: