Every second Monday in October in the United States, we celebrate the arrival of the most famous of European explorers in the New World. As you may have guessed: Columbus Day or Columbus Day, as it’s originally called, is today! To mark your language study trip to the U.S., LEC is here to give you the lowdown on what you need to know about the event.
Columbus Day, the anniversary of the discovery of the New World
Columbus Day is celebrated every year around this time because historians estimate that the Italian explorer arrived in the Americas on October 12, 1492. Today, Americans are therefore encouraged to celebrate this anniversary with a wide range of religious services and a plethora of other activities.
A holiday during your language study trip to the U.S.
In certain cities, such as New York—which you may have the chance to explore during your language study trip to the U.S.—particularly spectacular parades take place. These parades focus specifically on the Italian-American community. While Columbus Day is a holiday in many parts of the U.S. and government offices and schools are generally closed, businesses and stores may remain open.
Columbus Day, a controversial celebration
As you may have the chance to discover during your language study trip to the U.S., Columbus Day has become a family-oriented and unifying holiday, though it is tinged with controversy due to the tragic fate of Indigenous peoples following the arrival of the first settlers.