Columbus Day, which falls on the second Monday of October, is one of 10 federal holidays recognized by the U.S. government.
This year, it falls on October 8. The day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus to North America in October 1492. Many also see it as a time to celebrate Italian heritage.
Columbus Day was first recognized as a U.S. federal holiday in 1937, but some states (Alaska, Hawaii and South Dakota) do not observe the holiday, which is widely controversial because of Columbus' treatment of indigenous people. South Dakota instead celebrates Native American Day and Hawaii celebrates Discoverers' Day. Some cities have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day.
Here's what businesses will be open or closed on Monday:
Banks: Most banks, including Federal Reserve Banks, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, will be closed. TD Bank will remain open on Monday.
Mail services: The United States Postal Service will not deliver mail on Monday. However, UPS does not observe Columbus Day and locations will be open. And, UPS will pick up and deliver packages as normal. FedEx will be operational, with the exception of FedEx Home Delivery and a modified service for FedEx SmartPost.
Schools: Many schools will be closed on Columbus Day, but due to missing days from Hurricane Florence, several school districts are holding class Monday. Norfolk and Portsmouth are holding a full day of class to make up for missed time, while Virginia Beach is holding a virtual learning day. According to Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Newport News Public schools' calendars, those districts are having class Monday, while Hampton city schools are on early release.
Libraries: Most public libraries, including the New York Public Library will be closed on Columbus Day.
Stock markets: The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will remain open.
Federal offices: Because Columbus Day is a federal holiday, federal offices will be closed.
National parks: The National Park Service is open on Columbus Day.
Courts: Courts will be closed.
Retail businesses: Most department stores and retail shops will be open. Most restaurants will also remain open.
Grocery stores: Most grocery stores will remain open.
Garbage: Garbage and recycling collection is not operational in many cities on Monday, but check with local providers.
