Open and Closed on Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024

Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day both fall on the second Monday of October. While Columbus Day is a federal holiday designated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1934, many now prefer to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor the perseverance and courage of Indigenous peoples. Despite the controversy surrounding Columbus’ legacy, the federal holiday is still recognized, with some banks and federal offices closed for the day. The post office will also be closed, with no mail delivery, but shipping supplies can still be ordered online. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not a federal holiday but has been recognized through presidential proclamations. This shift away from Columbus Day towards Indigenous Peoples’ Day is meant to acknowledge the violent history and atrocities committed by Columbus against Indigenous peoples. Approximately 29 states and Washington, D.C. do not celebrate Columbus Day, with many cities and states having renamed or replaced it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day helps recognize the resilience and contributions of Indigenous peoples and offers a more complete look at history, acknowledging Native Americans who are still here and advocating for recognition and environmental rights.

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