october 14 is observed as columbus day, commemorating christopher columbus's landing in the americas

columbus day october 14 history holiday exploration america discovery voyage italian navigator spain 1492 indigenous celebration culture impact legacy controversy parade tradition debate european settlement colonialism holidayweekend reflection landing explorationera commemoration nationalholiday heritage federalholiday discoveryofamerica explorer nativepeoples celebrationday publicholiday columbusdayweekend discoveryday statue monument park memorial statues