Columbus Day, celebrated on the second Monday of October, has its origins in the United States. The holiday commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. In the United States, it is a federal holiday, and many government offices, schools, and businesses are closed on this day. The day is often marked with parades, festivals, and other celebrations, particularly in cities with a strong Italian-American influence, as Columbus was an Italian explorer. However, the holiday has been criticized by some for its association with the colonization and mistreatment of indigenous peoples. In other countries, the day is not widely celebrated, and some have replaced it with alternative holidays to honor the indigenous peoples who were affected by Columbus's arrival. For example, in some Latin American countries, October 12, the actual anniversary of Columbus's arrival, is celebrated as Día de la Raza (Day of the Race), while in some European countries, it is seen as a day to reflect on the negative impact of colonialism.
