The second Monday in October, falling in 2025 on October 13, has been one of the most inconsistently celebrated U.S. holidays. Originally commemorated as Columbus Day and now as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in many jurisdictions, it can be a paid day off, an unpaid commemorative day, another holiday entirely, or simply a regular Monday, depending on where a person works or attends school. 

The day continues to be an official federal holiday, which means federal workers normally get a paid day off, and there is no mail delivery. This year, however, many federal offices are already closed because of the ongoing government shutdown. Most banks and the bond markets that trade in U.S. government debt will also be closed, but the stock markets, most retailers, and other businesses will remain open.

The federal holiday and its designated purpose have faced scrutiny from Native American advocates and other parties over the years. Their argument is that, for various reasons, Christopher Columbus is not an appropriate person to celebrate. The controversy has caused mass confusion among the U.S. states and territories as to when and how the two designations are commemorated.

A Pew Research Center study came up with all the variations of the holiday in every major jurisdiction throughout the country. Although the study seeks to clarify the differences in the diversity of geographical areas, reading through them (click on the button below) could perhaps leave the serious inquirer more confused than ever!

For BVA’s purpose, suffice to inform readers of BVA Happenings that the holiday continues to be observed for now as both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day by the National Headquarters, with offices closed on Monday.