Columbus Day

Columbus Day - October 13, 2008 (Second Monday of October)

Columbus Day is a US holiday commemorating the anniversary of Italian navigator Christopher Columbus' arrival in the New World on October 12, 1492. While he was not the first European to explore other lands, Columbus was the one who managed to forge lasting relations between Europeans and the natives of the Western Hemisphere.

As the US was borne of British colonization (Independence Day, July 4, commemorates the date the US declared its independence from Britain in 1776), Columbus Day was not celebrated for many years, although the 300th and 400th anniversaries of his first landing were observed.

Among the first to celebrate Columbus Day was the Italian-American community, as Columbus is Genoan by birth. The celebration was popularized by a lawyer of Genoese descent whose parents settled in California during the nineteenth century. In fact, the celebration of the event in San Francisco is said to be the second oldest. At the prodding of the Knights of Columbus, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared Columbus Day a federal holiday.

Since 1971, Columbus Day has been celebrated in the US on the second Monday of October. US federal offices, banks, the stock market, and post offices are closed during this holiday.

In New York City, most schools are closed and parades are in rage, with Columbus Day seen more as a celebration of Italian-American ties. Previous commemorations of the event have featured noted Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli and Italian Minister of Defense Antonio Martino. More than 35,000 people participate in the occasion.

For promotions in celebration of Columbus Day, replicate themes of travel, exploration, and discovery with promotional toy telescopes, Geo Sphere toys, and sailing- and pirate-motif giveaways. Bring out some custom mini flags, banners, and confetti to add color to the festivities. Complete the ensemble with an Italian-inspired menu and remember to order some logo-imprinted plates, cups, and paper napkins.

If you are looking for personalized imprinted calendars, visit our promotional calendars collection.

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