Is Columbus Day a Holiday in New Jersey?
Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States, celebrated on the second Monday of October each year. It commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. However, the status of Columbus Day as a holiday varies from state to state. In the case of New Jersey, the answer to whether Columbus Day is a holiday is a bit more complex.
New Jersey recognizes Columbus Day as a state holiday, but it is not observed on the same day as the federal holiday. Instead, New Jersey celebrates Columbus Day on the Friday after the federal holiday. This means that while most people have the day off work on the second Monday of October, New Jersey residents will have the day off on the following Friday.
The decision to observe Columbus Day on a different day in New Jersey is not unique. In fact, several other states have chosen to do the same, as a way to honor the contributions of Italian Americans, who were instrumental in promoting the holiday. New Jersey, being home to a significant Italian American population, has long recognized the importance of this day.
However, there is a growing movement to change the celebration of Columbus Day. Critics argue that the holiday celebrates the exploitation and oppression of Native Americans and others by European colonizers. As a result, some states and cities have either changed the name of the holiday to Indigenous Peoples’ Day or have removed it from their official holiday calendars.
New Jersey has not yet joined this movement, but the debate over the holiday’s appropriateness continues to gain momentum. In recent years, there have been calls for the state to consider renaming the holiday or removing it from the official calendar. However, as of now, Columbus Day remains a recognized state holiday in New Jersey, albeit on a different day than the federal holiday.
In conclusion, while Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States, its status as a holiday in New Jersey is unique. The state observes the holiday on a different day, and the debate over the holiday’s appropriateness continues to grow. As New Jersey residents enjoy their day off, it is important to remember the ongoing discussion about the holiday’s significance and whether it should be celebrated in the same way in the future.
