Does New Jersey celebrate Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day?

New Jersey will join the federal government in celebrating Columbus Day on Oct. 14, 2024.

Many state offices and agencies will be closed that day. Many students of public schools will also have the day off.

The state still celebrates Columbus Day, despite some states renaming it Indigenous Peoples Day or dropping the holiday’s observations in total.

What is closed on Columbus Day?

United States Postal Services is one of the federal services that will not be operating on Columbus Day. Other federal and state offices will be closed, as well. For example, the NJMVC offices will be closed.

While most schools will not be in session that day, double-check your calendars, as some schools might be open.

Why does New Jersey celebrate Columbus Day?

In 1492, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus traveled from Spain and landed in the Caribbean. Despite never making it to land that would eventually be a part of the United States, he was credited as discovering America.

Some cities and states recognized Indigenous Peoples Day following controversy over Columbus’ legacy and how he treated native people who already lived on the land.

New Jersey has stuck with Columbus Day, however, as a celebration of the Italian-Americans who have lived in the state for generations.

In a Facebook post from 2023, Gov. Phil Murphy said he celebrates all the Italian Americans who have enriched the state through their culture & accomplishments.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Does New Jersey celebrate Columbus Day or Indigenous Poeples Day?