Is Columbus Day Still Important? A Look at Columbus Day 2022

 Columbus Day

In the past, Columbus Day was not viewed in the most positive light. Many people saw it as a day to celebrate genocidal violence and conquest. Those who opposed it focused on the negative aspects of Christopher Columbus’s legacy, rather than seeing his arrival in the New World as an opportunity for celebration. However, times have changed, and now many communities recognize that things aren’t quite so black-and-white. As a result, there has been a notable uptick in support for Columbus Day once again—at least in some cities. The majority of Americans still don’t celebrate this holiday, but you may be surprised to learn which ones do...


What’s Changed?

In many ways, the world has changed in the past couple of decades. This change is reflected in the public’s changing view of Columbus Day. As mentioned above, when this holiday was first introduced, it caused quite a stir. This was probably due, in part, to the fact that the holiday was introduced in the era of McCarthyism. Many viewed this as part of a greater “red scare,” and therefore viewed it in a very negative light. Nowadays, however, people tend to look at this holiday in a more positive light. This may be due, in part, to a better understanding of the complexities surrounding Columbus’s legacy. In recent decades, it has become much more common to recognize the positive aspects of Columbus’s legacy as well as his negative ones.


Which Cities Will Celebrate Columbus Day in 2022?

It’s crucial to remember that, while Columbus Day is a federal holiday, it is not a federal requirement. This means that it isn’t mandatory for cities to celebrate the holiday. Instead, it is optional. There are a few cities, however, that have chosen to observe Columbus Day, regardless of its federal status. These cities include: - Austin, Texas - Austin, Texas - Columbus, Ohio - Columbus, Ohio - Denver, Colorado - Denver, Colorado - Miami, Florida - Miami, Florida - Seattle, Washington - Seattle, Washington These are just a few of the cities that celebrate Columbus Day. You can find a complete list by clicking below. Simply click on your state and city to see whether or not your community observes this holiday.


Why Is This Day Still Important?

When Columbus arrived in the New World, he set off a chain of events that would change the course of human history forever. Technically, the holiday is meant to celebrate his arrival in the New World, but it also serves as a reminder of the important role he played in the past and present. Columbus Day reminds us that, things weren’t always the way they are today. While Columbus Day has been celebrated for hundreds of years, the holiday is still just as relevant today as it was back then. Many of the issues that existed in Columbus’s time are still issues today—issues that need to be resolved.


Why Does Columbus Day Still Matter?

Columbus Day still matters because it reminds us that things weren’t always the way they are today. It was during this period of time that many of the issues we face today first arose. It was during this period, many hundreds of years ago, that the world first saw the rise of the “immigrant,” the rise of capitalism, and the rise of European imperialism. It was during this period, too, that the world first saw the clash of two civilizations: the “Old World” and the “New World.” Today, we live in a world that is still greatly influenced by the events of this era. The things we value, the things we strive for, the things we believe in—all of these things can be traced back to this time period.


How to Celebrate in 2022

The best way to celebrate Columbus Day is to focus on the positives. Yes, there are some negatives to Columbus’s legacy, but there are also many positives—especially if you look at this as an immigrant’s holiday. There are many ways to celebrate, but you can start (and continue) by educating yourself about Columbus’s story. Join a local parade, participate in an online discussion about Columbus’s legacy, and/or host an event in your community to celebrate his arrival. You can also learn about the Native Americans who were here long before Columbus arrived. You can learn about their cultures, their languages, and their customs.


The Bottom Line

Columbus Day has a long and fascinating history. It has evolved over the years but remains just as important as ever. This holiday reminds us to be grateful for the past, present, and future. It reminds us that, while there are many things we can learn from the past, we must also look to the future. More importantly, it reminds us to be thankful for the diversity that has enriched our culture and our communities. It reminds us to be thankful for the “immigrant” and their place in the past, present, and future.