October 13 Holiday Columbus Day: October 13 Holiday: Which states celebrate Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day and where is it a holiday in US?
A Divided Celebration: Federal and State Recognition
Columbus Day is officially a federal holiday; This means federal employees generally receive paid leave and postal services are suspended. Many banks and bond markets will also close, but stock exchanges and most retail businesses will remain open.
This year, some federal offices remain closed due to the ongoing government shutdown, adding another layer of inconsistency to compliance with the rules. For private sector employees, it is up to the employer’s discretion whether October 13 will be a long weekend or an ordinary working day.
Columbus Day celebrations at the state level have undergone a dramatic transformation. While 30 states and three U.S. territories continue to recognize it to some extent, only 20 states and two territories offer it as a paid holiday to government employees. In many states, Columbus Day shares its place on the calendar with other commemorations, ranging from indigenous heritage celebrations to cultural fellowship days.
Honoring Columbus or Others
In some states, the second Monday in October continues to be a double or even triple celebration. While five states celebrate both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Virginia recognizes Columbus Day and Yorktown Victory Day.
Alabama combines three celebrations: Columbus Day, Native American Heritage Day, and Brotherhood Day, which honor members of community and service organizations. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, the focus is less on Columbus and more on Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Day.
Puerto Rico, meanwhile, commemorates Día de la Raza (Descubrimiento de América) as a paid holiday on the same date, celebrating the cultures and peoples of Latin America, and setting aside November 19 for Día del Descubrimiento de Puerto Rico, which symbolizes Columbus’ arrival on the island.
States Are Moving Away From Columbus Day
Over the past decade, many states have moved away from celebrating Columbus. Delaware eliminated the holiday altogether in 2009 and replaced it with a variable day off. By 2019, Maine, Vermont, New Mexico, and the District of Columbia officially replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day.
However, in Vermont, employees under certain employment contracts can still treat Indigenous Peoples Day as a paid holiday. Other states, such as California and American Samoa, have observed the day under both names through annual gubernatorial proclamations.
Tennessee offers a unique approach, but while Columbus Day is officially recognized, the governor routinely moves the celebration to the Friday after Thanksgiving and creates a longer holiday weekend.
Indigenous Peoples Day Gains Ground
Seventeen states and the District of Columbia now celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day or similar holidays honoring Native Americans on the second Monday in October. Six of them consider this day a paid holiday alongside Columbus Day, five consider it a paid holiday in its own right, and seven consider it an unpaid day of remembrance.
Other states, including Maryland and Washington, honor Native American heritage later in the year, usually on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Oklahoma, home to 39 tribal nations, celebrates Oklahoma Indian Day on the second Monday in October, while also observing Native American Day each September and recognizing individual tribal heritage days by gubernatorial proclamation.
The History Behind Columbus Day
Columbus Day was first observed as a federal holiday in 1937; This turned out to be largely due to the efforts of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization that aims to honor Italian American heritage. Originally fixed for October 12, it was shifted to the second Monday in October in 1971 to create a consistent three-day weekend.
However, as historical scrutiny of Christopher Columbus’s voyages has increased—especially over his treatment of Native peoples—calls to rename or replace the holiday have intensified. While critics argue that continuing to honor Columbus perpetuates a colonial legacy that marginalized Indigenous peoples, supporters see the day as a tribute to the contributions of Italian Americans and the spirit of exploration.
A Piece of Tradition Study
The October 13 holiday remains emblematic of America’s diverse cultural and political landscape. For some, this is a moment of Italian pride; for others, it is an opportunity to reflect on the resilience and legacy of Indigenous communities. And for many, this is just another Monday, a disruption to their workday routine.
As the debate continues, more states may follow the growing national trend to replace or redefine the holiday entirely, ensuring that the second Monday in October continues to evolve along with the conscience of the nation.
FAQ
Is October 13, 2025 a federal holiday in the United States?
Yes, October 13, 2025 is a federal holiday recognized as Columbus Day; This means federal offices and postal services will be closed.
Which states celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day?
States such as Maine, Vermont, New Mexico and the District of Columbia have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day.
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