Columbus Day in American Samoa
In American Samoa, Columbus Day is set for the second Monday in October and is designated as a paid public holiday for government agency employees.[1] The local rule gives the day a specific employment and observance status.[1][2]
What the holiday means here
American Samoa’s government employee regulation lists Columbus Day alongside local and U.S.-named holidays. These listed public holidays are paid holidays for agency employees, and the Governor may establish other holidays by proclamation.[1] The rule history traces to Rule 11-84, effective in December 1984.[1]
Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus’s first voyage across the Atlantic in 1492. The voyage was associated with European colonisation and had profound effects on Indigenous peoples.[3]
Date and observed-day rules
The American Samoa regulation places Columbus Day on the second Monday in October.[1] Since that date is a Monday, government employees whose workweek runs Monday through Friday observe it on that workday.[2]
For Monday-to-Friday employees, a holiday falling on Saturday is observed on the preceding Friday and one falling on Sunday on the following Monday. Employees whose workdays differ observe a holiday on the first workday after a day off, or on the holiday itself if it is a workday.[2] These are government employee rules; check with an employer or business about its schedule.
Local observances and practical planning
Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus’s first voyage across the Atlantic in 1492.[3]
The regulation provides for a paid holiday for agency employees, but it does not require every public service, bank, shop or transport provider to close. Many government offices and some private businesses close on U.S. federal holidays, but schedules vary; check directly with the office or provider you need.[1][4]
Columbus Day in American Samoa: questions and answers
When is Columbus Day observed in American Samoa?
It falls on the second Monday in October under the government employee holiday regulation.[1]
Is it a paid day off?
Are shops, banks, government offices, and transport open?
Opening hours vary, so check directly with the office or provider you need. Many government offices and some private businesses close on U.S. federal holidays.[4]
What does Columbus Day commemorate?
It commemorates Christopher Columbus’s first voyage across the Atlantic in 1492.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Columbus Day in American Samoa:
- 4.2403 Holidays-Designated-Proclamation.- American Samoa Bar Association
- 4.2404 Holidays-Days observed.- American Samoa Bar Association
- Columbus Day- U.S. Department of State, American English
- American holidays- U.S. General Services Administration, USAGov