When is Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day 2024? What you should know

While many people still honor the memory of Columbus' arrival in America and thereby celebrate the Italian-American heritage, many indigenous people protest against it because of the destruction Columbus supposedly inflicted on them. Because of this, many states and cities now celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday in October instead of on Columbus Day.

Last year, the Biden administration issued a proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day for the third consecutive year. The commemoration of Native American history and culture is now recognized federally along with Columbus Day, which is traditionally celebrated on the same day.

Here's what else you should know about the holiday and when it falls this year.

When is Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day?

It is Monday, October 14th and a federal holiday.

What does the holiday celebrate?

The day was originally considered to commemorate Columbus' arrival in America in 1492. According to Britannica.com, “Italian immigrants to the United States began celebrating Columbus Day in 1792.”

When was Columbus Day officially recognized as a holiday?

According to Britannica.com, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared Columbus Day a national holiday in 1937.