Columbus Day in the United States
Columbus Day is a U.S. legal public holiday set for the second Monday in October. It is a federal holiday for federal employee pay and leave purposes, while state and local calendars and private business practices can differ.[1][3][4]
Legal date and federal status
Federal law lists Columbus Day among the United States’ legal public holidays and sets it on the second Monday in October. Congress added it to the federal holiday schedule in 1968, with the change taking effect on January 1, 1971.[1]
Because the holiday always falls on a Monday, it does not shift to another calendar date when it coincides with a weekend. A federal employee whose regular work schedule makes that Monday a nonworkday may be entitled to an “in lieu of” holiday under federal work-schedule rules.[1][3]
How the observance developed
The federal commemoration has a ceremonial purpose as well as a date. Federal law asks the president to issue an annual proclamation designating the second Monday in October and invites people to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies in schools, churches or other suitable places.[2]
The original 1934 law named October 12; Congress later changed the date to the second Monday in October. The federal statute describes the observance as marking the anniversary of Columbus’s arrival, using the historic language of “the discovery of America.”[1][2]
Different names and local calendars
The federal government uses the name Columbus Day specified in law. The Office of Personnel Management notes that state and local governments and private businesses may use other names, and USA.gov says states and the District of Columbia may recognize their own holidays, including Indigenous Peoples Day.[3][4]
The federal date therefore does not establish a single observance for every community. The statute invites ceremonies, but local calendars and events are determined by the relevant state, city, school system or organization.[2][4]
Closures and planning
Many government offices and some private businesses close on federal holidays, but this is not a universal closure rule. The Federal Reserve observes Columbus Day, and its listed holiday schedule means its payment and clearing services do not process transactions that day; check with your own bank for its branch and service hours.[4][5]
Federal law does not require private employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act to provide a day off or holiday pay. For appointments, school schedules, local services or work, check the specific organization’s calendar before making plans.[6]
Columbus Day: frequently asked questions
When is Columbus Day observed?
It is observed on the second Monday in October under federal law.[1]
Is Columbus Day a day off for everyone?
No. It is a federal holiday for federal employee pay and leave purposes, but private employers are not required by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act to provide holiday time off or pay. State and local arrangements may differ.[1][3][4][6]
Sources and references
Sources used for Columbus Day in United States:
- 5 USC 6103: Holidays- Office of the Law Revision Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives
- 36 USC 107: Columbus Day- Office of the Law Revision Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives
- Federal Holidays- U.S. Office of Personnel Management
- American holidays- USAGov
- K.8 - Holidays Observed by the Federal Reserve System- Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
- Questions and Answers About the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)- U.S. Department of Labor