Columbus Day became an official United States federal holiday in 1970. "Since 1971, the holiday has been commemorated in the U.S. on the second Monday in October, the same day as Thanksgiving in neighboring Canada. It is generally observed today by banks, the bond market, the U.S. Postal Service and other federal agencies, most state government offices, and some school districts; however, most businesses and stock exchanges remain open." Some Italian-Americans celebrate their heritage on this day with parades or other festivities. Many states and cities with large Native American populations do not recognize Columbus Day or celebrate "Indigenous People's Day" or "Native American Day" instead. Many countries celebrate Christopher Columbus's arrival in the New World under the names Día de la Raza (Day of the Race) or Day of the Cultures, Day of the Americas, Discovery Day, Spanish Day (Spain), or Día de la Resistencia Indígena (Day of Indigenous Resistance - Venezuala). "During the 400-year anniversary in 1892, teachers, preachers, poets and politicians used Columbus Day rituals to teach ideals of patriotism. . . . The National Council of Churches, called on Christians to refrain from celebrating the Columbus quincentennial, saying, 'What represented newness of freedom, hope, and opportunity for some was the occasion for oppression, degradation and genocide for others.'" Wikipedia
How does your class celebrate Columbus Day?
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Multi-Disciplinary
