what kind of holiday is columbus day

Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492. It is observed on the second Monday in October each year. As a federal holiday, it typically involves the closure of federal government offices, some banks, and the U.S. Postal Service, though many businesses and stock markets remain open. However, the holiday is controversial and increasingly many states and cities either recognize Indigenous Peoples Day instead or alongside Columbus Day. Indigenous Peoples Day honors Native American history and cultures and serves as a response to the legacy of colonization linked to Columbus. The observance of Columbus Day varies widely across states, with some making it a paid holiday for state workers, others treating it as a non-paid holiday or public observance, and some not observing it at all. In summary, Columbus Day is a national federal holiday commemorating Columbus's arrival in the Americas, but its recognition and the way it is observed differ significantly across the U.S., reflecting evolving perspectives on history and indigenous cultures.