Columbus Day vs Indigenous People's Day 2023: What's open and closed

As Columbus Day and Indigenous People's Day approaches, you may be wondering about the availability of services, businesses, and institutions. These two holidays, observed concurrently, bring a mix of open and closed establishments. Columbus Day, honoring Italian explorer Christopher Columbus is a federal holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October.
However, some states and cities have adopted Indigenous People's Day to recognize the mistreatment and enslavement of Indigenous people. Here's a breakdown of what to expect on these holidays.

Federal Offices and Services: A Day of Closure

As is customary for federal holidays, a range of federal offices and services will be closed. This includes federal offices, libraries, and Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) locations. Federal employees enjoy a day off on Columbus Day.

Postal Services: No Mail Delivery

If you were planning a trip to the post office or expecting mail delivery on Monday, you might need to adjust your plans. All post offices will be closed, and there will be no regular mail delivery.

Shipping Services: Some Modifications

Shipping services like FedEx and UPS will experience some modifications but will remain operational. FedEx Express and FedEx Ground Economy will have adjusted services for Columbus Day, while all other deliveries will proceed as usual. You can send packages any day as you normally would. UPS pickup and delivery services will be available, but keep in mind that there will be a one-day delay in UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries due to the federal holiday. The UPS Store locations will be open.

Banking Hours: A Bank Holiday

For many banks, October 9th is recognized as a bank holiday. To avoid an unnecessary trip, it's advisable to confirm your bank's hours of operation before visiting a branch. Alternatively, you can conduct transactions online or visit an ATM if your bank is closed.

Schools: Varied Policies

While Columbus Day is a federal holiday, the policy regarding school closures can vary. Not all public schools follow the same guidelines on this day. Depending on the state and district policies, many schools may remain open on Columbus Day.

Dining Out: Fast Food and Restaurants

Restaurants and fast-food chains often choose to remain open on holidays to cater to individuals who prefer dining out over cooking at home. If you plan to enjoy a meal at a restaurant, you're likely to find options available.

Retail and Grocery Stores: Generally Open

Most major chain stores and grocery stores tend to operate as usual on Columbus Day and Indigenous People's Day. However, it's wise to check the websites of local businesses for any updates regarding holiday hours. This ensures you have the most accurate information about their operating hours on these holidays.

As Columbus Day and Indigenous People's Day coincide, it's important to check the status of specific services and businesses you plan to use on October 9th, 2023. While some entities will embrace the holiday spirit with closures, others will maintain their regular operations to serve the community.

FAQs

Is Columbus Day a federal holiday?

Columbus Day, observed as a federal holiday in the United States, entails certain changes in government operations and business hours. Federal employees enjoy a paid day off, while mail delivery is suspended for the day. This includes the closure of most federal offices, as well as banks and bond markets that deal with U.S. government debt, aligning with the holiday's federal status.

What is the meaning of Columbus Day?

Columbus Day is an official federal holiday in the United States, dedicated to honoring the arrival of explorer Christopher Columbus in the New World on October 12, 1492. This holiday also serves as a celebration of the cultural heritage of Italian Americans, as many historians and scholars believe that Christopher Columbus was born in the city of Genoa, Italy.