Columbus Day is observed on the second Monday October in the United States, and in some countries around the world. For a long time was observed on a specific date, October 12. is named after Christopher Columbus, the Italian sailor led three Spanish ships to claim new lands 1492. There is even a child's poem remembering date. It reads, " In 1492, Columbus sailed ocean blue". Some people say Columbus "discovered" North , although not everyone agrees with this interpretation. For , Columbus never landed on North America proper. He got as far as to the islands in Caribbean Sea.

Columbus Day has been a federal since 1937; government offices, schools, and post offices closed. Many Italians take the day as a to celebrate their own ethnic heritage since Columbus born in Genoa, Italy. Columbus's explorations, however, were in the name of Spain. Major cities, like York City and San Francisco, host large parades. cities, like New York City, also hold a celebrating the Hispanic or Latino community.

Not everyone Christopher Columbus should be honored. Some states like Dakota do not observe the holiday at all. they call the day Native American Day or Peoples Day. In Hawaii the holiday is also as Landing Day or Discoverer's Day. This is European arrival in North America meant the loss land and lives for many Native people. Many hold protests or vigils on this day to the Native Americans that were killed or enslaved a result of the European arrival. Another name the holiday is "Dia de la Raza" which into English as Day of the Race.