Delaware
Does Delaware celebrate Columbus or Indigenous Peoples Day?
Recognizing Native Americans on Indigenous Peoples’ Day across the US
A growing number of cities, states and universities are replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, also known as Native Americans Day.
Scott L. Hall, USA TODAY
Columbus Day is a federal holiday in 2024, but it not a state holiday in Delaware.
The state’s largest three cities, Wilmington, Dover and Newark, all do not have the holidays on their calendars.
The state dropped the holiday in 2009, according to the Pew Research Center, and replaced it with a floating holiday.
Last year, it was a recognized holiday in New Castle County, but this year the holiday is not on the schedule.
Some towns around the state recognize Columbus Day, however. Camden will have its offices closed on that day. Rehoboth Beach’s town offices will also be closed.
All three of Delaware’s neighbors celebrate the holiday, with Pennsylvania celebrating both Columbus and Indigenous Peoples Day and New Jersey and Maryland celebrating Columbus Day.