Anyway “discover” doesn’t mean “to be the first human being ever in a place”. It means to make known to others, so Columbus’ discovery is perfectly legitimate.
Lots of Latin American countries observe the Columbus landing:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Day
The day is called Discovery Day or Americas Day, and the focus is on the linkage of the New World + Old World, rather than focusing on the man. Whatever your views on Columbus the man, there’s no denying the geopolitical significance of the event.
Didn’t get mentioned on this thread, I don’t think, but Alaska officially (via executive order—it doesn’t take legislative action here) rechristened Columbus Day into Indigenous Peoples Day this month. South Dakota, the only other state to change the name of the holiday, has officially called it Native American Day since 1990.
^ Several cities have followed suit this year. Can’t remember which ones, saw it on FB.
Right—lots of cities, but only two states have made the move.
I taught in IL., kids went to school in IN. Never had same days off during the school year, not even in Spring.
Best was Pulaski Day.
My D went to undergrad in TX, and they got off for César Chávez Day.
Federal and state holidays: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0002069.html
Berkeley had Indigenous Peoples Day, but we didn’t get the day off. It was used for special programming. We did get International Women’s Day off in March.