Introduction
Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day are observed on the second Monday in October in the United States. While Columbus Day has traditionally celebrated Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a more recent holiday that seeks to honor the history and contributions of Native American cultures. As these holidays approach, it’s essential to know what’s open and closed on these observances.
Columbus Day
- Federal Government Offices: Closed Most federal government offices, including post offices and courthouses, are closed on Columbus Day.
- Banks: Varies Banks’ operating status on Columbus Day varies by institution. Some remain open, while others may close or have limited hours. It’s best to check with your specific bank for details.
- Schools: Varies Public schools’ status on Columbus Day varies by state and district. Some schools remain open, while others close for the day. Check with your local school district for information on closures.
- State Government Offices: Varies Like schools, state government offices’ status on Columbus Day can vary by state. Some states recognize Columbus Day as a holiday with closures, while others do not.
- Post Offices: Closed Columbus Day is a federal holiday, so United States Postal Service (USPS) offices are closed, and mail is not delivered.
- Stock Markets: Open Stock markets, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the NASDAQ, typically remain open on Columbus Day.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Federal Government Offices: Open Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not a federal holiday, so federal government offices remain open.
- Banks: Open Banks typically operate as usual on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, as it is not a widely observed holiday by financial institutions.
- Schools: Varies Schools’ status on Indigenous Peoples’ Day varies by state and district. Some educational institutions may choose to acknowledge the day with lessons and activities that honor Native American cultures.
- State Government Offices: Varies Like schools, the status of state government offices on Indigenous Peoples’ Day varies by state. Some states officially recognize the holiday with closures, while others do not.
- Post Offices: Open Since Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not a federal holiday, USPS offices remain open, and mail is delivered as usual.
- Stock Markets: Open Just like on Columbus Day, stock markets remain open on Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Conclusion
Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day are important observances with varying levels of recognition and closures across the United States. Understanding what’s open and closed on these holidays can help you plan your day accordingly. While some institutions and businesses observe Columbus Day with closures, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not as widely recognized, but its importance is growing as a day to celebrate and honor Native American cultures and contributions to American society.
