What You Need to Know About Columbus Day 2024: Open and Closed Services

Columbus Day, also known as Indigenous Peoples' Day, is often a contentious holiday on the federal calendar. Although it’s observed on the second Monday of October and intended to commemorate Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492, the day is increasingly overshadowed by the negative legacy associated with Columbus and a growing recognition of Native American history and culture.

18 October 2024 - 22:05

Designated as a federal holiday in 1971, Columbus Day has faced scrutiny due to Columbus’s role in the colonization of the Americas, which resulted in the suffering and marginalization of Native populations. This has led to the celebration of Indigenous Peoples' Day in many regions, which honors the histories and cultures of Native Americans. While not federally recognized, Indigenous Peoples' Day is an official holiday in 13 states and numerous cities, some of which have opted to replace Columbus Day altogether.

What’s Open and Closed on Columbus Day?

Are Banks Open on Columbus Day?
Most banks will be closed on Columbus Day since it is a federal holiday. However, American National Bank is an exception, keeping its branches operational. ATMs will remain available for cash withdrawals and deposits, and online banking services can still be accessed.

Will Mail Be Delivered?
No mail will be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service on Columbus Day. However, UPS and FedEx will operate as usual, providing delivery services and maintaining regular hours at their drop-off locations.

Is the Stock Market Open?
Yes, the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and bond markets will be open on Columbus Day, with the next scheduled holiday being Thanksgiving.

Are Government Offices Open?
Federal government offices will be closed, but state and local offices may vary. For example, Chicago will observe the holiday and close its city offices, while Delaware does not recognize Columbus Day as a legal holiday. Many states that celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day do not consider it a paid holiday.

Retail and Grocery Store Operations
Most major retail and grocery stores will remain open on Columbus Day. Historically, some retailers promoted "Columbus Day Savings," but in light of the holiday's controversy, such promotions have diminished over the years.

Why Is Columbus Day Controversial?

Columbus Day has sparked significant debate due to the darker aspects of Columbus’s legacy. While he is often credited with "discovering" the Americas, historians emphasize his role in the enslavement and brutal treatment of Native populations. Columbus seized many Taino natives upon his arrival in 1492, leading to a drastic decline in their numbers due to disease, violence, and exploitation. Within six decades of his arrival, the Taino population plummeted from around 250,000 to just a few hundred.

Why Do Some People Still Celebrate Columbus Day?

Despite the controversies, Columbus Day remains a source of pride for many Italian-Americans who see it as a celebration of their heritage. Events like New York City's Columbus Day parade, now in its 80th year, and Brooklyn's parade, celebrating its 42nd year, highlight this cultural significance.