October 12 Holiday: What’s Open For Columbus Day And Indigenous Peoples’ Day

So, What's the Deal with October 12th?

Hey there, curious minds! You might be wondering what's up with October 12th, right? It's like that friend who shows up to the party unannounced, but with a twist - some places are closed, others are open, and it's all about celebrating, or not celebrating, a certain explorer named Christopher Columbus. Let's dive in, shall we?

Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples' Day - What's in a Name?

First things first, let's talk names. Some places still call it Columbus Day, honoring the day Christopher Columbus landed in the Americas in 1492. But hold on, because this is where things get interesting. Many places have switched to calling it Indigenous Peoples' Day, a day to celebrate the original inhabitants of this land. It's like choosing between calling a party 'Bob's Birthday' or 'Amazing People Gathering' - both are celebrations, but one is a bit more inclusive, don't you think?

What's Open, What's Closed?

Now, you might be wondering what's open and closed on this day. Well, it's a bit of a mix, like a really good salad. Schools and government offices might be closed in some places, but not all. It's like they're playing a game of musical chairs, and we're all trying to guess who's left standing.

Banks? They might be closed, but ATMs will still be there for you, like a good friend. Post offices? They might be open, but it's always a good idea to check first, just in case. It's like playing a game of 'Guess Who' - you never know who's going to show up.

Celebrations Galore!

But enough about what's closed, let's talk about the fun stuff - celebrations! Some places host parades, festivals, and other fun events to celebrate Indigenous cultures. It's like a big, colorful party where everyone's invited. And the best part? You can join in too, just remember to be respectful and learn about the cultures you're celebrating.

So, why is it cool? Because it's a chance to learn, to celebrate, and to reflect. It's a day to honor the past, present, and future of this land. It's like a really interesting history lesson, but with more dancing and less boring textbooks.

Why the Change?

You might be wondering why some places have changed the name from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day. Well, it's like when you realize your favorite band has some problematic lyrics - you still love the music, but you also want to acknowledge that there's more to the story. The change is about recognizing the harm caused by Columbus's arrival and celebrating the resilience and contributions of Indigenous peoples instead.

Resources for Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day available at EVPL

It's a big, complex topic, but at its core, it's about respect, understanding, and celebrating diversity. It's like choosing to tell a story that includes everyone, not just one person. And that, my friends, is something worth celebrating.

How Can You Celebrate?

So, how can you celebrate? Well, you could learn about Indigenous cultures, support Indigenous-owned businesses, or just take some time to reflect on the history of this land. It's like choosing to be an active participant in the story, instead of just a passive listener.

And remember, it's okay if you don't know everything. It's like learning a new language - you start with a few words, and then you build from there. The important thing is to keep learning, keep growing, and keep celebrating.

So, there you have it - a little peek into what's happening on October 12th. It's a day of change, of celebration, and of learning. And isn't that what life's all about? Now, go forth and explore, just remember to be respectful while you're at it.