Monday, October 08, 2012

Columbus Day

Many countries in the New World and elsewhere celebrate the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas, which occurred on October 12, 1492, as an official holiday.

The event is celebrated as Columbus Day in the United States, as Día de la Raza in many countries in Latin America, as Discovery Day in the Bahamas, as Día de la Hispanidad, Fiesta Nacional in Spain, Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural (Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity) in Argentina and as Día de las Américas (Day of the Americas) in Uruguay.

These holidays have been celebrated unofficially since the late 18th century, and officially in various areas since the early 20th century.

Here in our area, the banks and post office are closed in observance of Columbus Day. School is closed for students, but the teachers are having an in-service day.



1 comment:

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

Why do the teachers have to be at work? Odd how they get singled out. They could probably have used some rest time.