Every October, schools and businesses across the country recognize Columbus Day, but many Americans still wonder what the holiday actually represents. While some people celebrate Christopher Columbus’s voyage and Italian American heritage, others believe the day should focus on the history of Native Americans.
Columbus Day takes place the second Monday of October. The holiday recognizes Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer who crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1492 and reached the Caribbean. His voyage marked a major turning point in history, increasing contact between Europe and the Americas.
Junior Santiago Garcia Palau said that, “It is important to remember how our land was founded.” He doesn’t want people to forget the discovery of our land.
For many Italian Americans, Columbus Day is more than just a day off. It is a chance to celebrate their culture and recognize the contributions Italian Americans have made to the United States. The holiday became a federal observance in 1937, and it continues to be recognized today.
Junior Francisco Garcia Fiorini said, “My Italian relatives wont forget the great impact Columbus brought to my culture.”
However, Columbus Day has become a topic of debate in recent years. Although Columbus is often remembered for his exploration, his arrival also led to European colonization, which brought violence, land loss, and suffering to Indigenous communities. Because of this, many cities and states now recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead.
Junior Aspen Hernandez said, “People are too soft these days.” She thinks its ridiculous that more than 200 years later people are upset about Columbus Day.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates Native American history, culture, and contributions while recognizing the struggles Indigenous communities have faced. Some places observe both holidays, while others have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
The debate raises an important question: Should the holiday celebrate an explorer, recognize Italian American heritage, or focus more attention on Indigenous history?
Ultimately, Columbus Day serves as an opportunity for Americans to look back at the past and understand how historical events affected different groups of people. By learning about both the achievements and consequences of Columbus’s voyage, students can develop a better understanding of American history and why the holiday continues to spark discussion today.
