Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day fall on the same day, but when are the holidays, and who celebrates them?
Columbus Day, a federal holiday, is celebrated across the country. However, many now recognize the day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, challenging Columbus’ legacy due to his role in the colonization and violence against Indigenous people in North America.
In 2021, former President Joe Biden issued the first presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, on the same date as Columbus Day. The idea – to honor the perseverance and courage of Native communities.
While Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not recognized as a federal holiday, it is considered a holiday in certain cities and states. Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, though it is “one of the most inconsistently celebrated” in the U.S., according to the Pew Research Center.
When is Columbus Day 2025?
Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day both fall on Monday, Oct. 13. Columbus Day is a federal holiday, but Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not.
Is the post office open on Columbus Day?
No, all U.S. Postal Service retail locations will be closed, and no residential or business mail will be delivered.
Priority Mail Express, which is a premium service, will be delivered in select areas for an additional fee, according to a news release from the U.S. Postal Service.
Are banks open on Columbus Day?
Most banks will be closed on the federal holiday or will operate on a federal holiday schedule. Banks typically operate on the schedule set by the Federal Reserve System.
You can still utilize online banking and ATM services for banks with closed brick and mortar offices on Monday, Oct. 13. As always, be sure to check with local branches for hours on specific locations.
What about federal offices?
Aside from the current shutdown of the federal government – which started at midnight on Oct. 1 – non-essential federal offices will be closed on Oct. 13.
However, during a government shutdown, hundreds of thousands of federal workers deemed nonessential are already furloughed until funding is passed, meaning they won’t work and won’t be paid.
Why is Columbus Day celebrated?
Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas on Oct. 12, 1492, which marked the beginning of European colonization. While celebrated by some, particularly in the Italian-American community, it has become a controversial holiday due to the impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples.
Columbus Day became a national holiday in 1934, designated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, according to the Library of Congress. Since 1971, it has been observed as a federal holiday on the second Monday of October.
Is Indigenous Peoples’ Day an official holiday?
While not a federal holiday, it is officially recognized in some states and cities. Approximately 30 states and Washington, D.C., do not celebrate Columbus Day, and more than 200 cities have renamed or replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Contributing: USA Today Network
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: What’s open and closed on Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2025? What to know
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
