Columbus Day in the USA (10/10)

On October 12, 1492, the Spanish (according to some sources — Italian) navigator Christopher Columbus landed in the New World — on this day, Christopher Columbus's expedition reached the island of San Salvador in the Bahamas archipelago, which was subsequently taken as the official date for the discovery of America.

Although most other American countries celebrate Columbus Day on October 12 (which is logical and justified), in the United States it is celebrated on the second Monday of October.

This event is quite controversial because European settlements in America have led to the disappearance of the history and culture of many indigenous peoples of the mainland.

For the first time in the United States, this holiday was celebrated en masse in 1792 – in honor of the 300th anniversary of the discovery of America. At the same time, a monument to the navigator was erected in Baltimore, and 100 years later, on the 400th anniversary of this event, a statue of Columbus was erected in New York, and US President Benjamin Harrison called on Americans to make this solemn day for the country a holiday.

The day was officially declared a public holiday throughout the country in 1937, and its celebration was set for October 12. But in 1971, the American Congress decided to celebrate Columbus Day on the second Monday of October.

Currently, on this day, the US population celebrates the anniversary of the opening of their country by attending festive church services and other events. Some cities host special services, parades and large ceremonies.

Columbus Day is a public holiday in many parts of the United States, but in some states, such as California, Nevada, Hawaii, the day is not celebrated. Government offices and schools are generally closed, but commercial organizations may operate. The US national flag is raised over government buildings.

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