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Columbus Day

Guide to the date, history, cultural origins and celebration traditions of Columbus Day in United States.

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History & Origins of Columbus Day

Columbus Day (known as Día del Encuentro de Dos Mundos in Chile) commemorates the date of October 12, 1492, when Italian explorer Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas. Historically, it represents the pivotal moment of contact between Europe and the Americas, which profoundly reshaped global history.

How It Is Observed & Celebrated

It is observed as a national holiday with cultural exhibitions, dialogues about indigenous heritage, and a long weekend for travel and leisure.

Quick Facts Card

Country: United States
Holiday Name: Columbus Day
Date (2026): October 12
Day (2026): Monday
Observance Type: Statutory
Observed In: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia

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Date Reference Matrix (3-Year Range)

Year Calendar Date Day of the Week Status
2025 October 13, 2025 Monday Official Statutory Day Off
2026 October 12, 2026 Current Year Monday Official Statutory Day Off
2027 October 11, 2027 Monday Official Statutory Day Off