While Halloween is on the minds of most people during October, there are two other holidays — Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day — that happen first, and both on the same date.
Columbus Day has been anational holiday since 1937 to celebrate the contributions of Italian-Americans. However, a growing number of people have advocated Indigenous People should be recognized instead, citing Italian explorer Christopher Columbus' use of violence and slaveryto subjugate the native people he encountered after landing in the Americas in 1492.
Last year, the Biden administrationissued a proclamationrecognizing Indigenous Peoples Day for the third year in a row. The commemoration of Native American history and culture is now federallyrecognized alongside Columbus Day.
Here's what Hoosiers should know about both days and what's open and closed.
When is Columbus Day 2024?
Monday, Oct. 14, is the date Columbus Day will be observed in 2024.
When is Indigenous Peoples' Day 2024?
Indigenous Peoples' Day is also Monday, Oct. 14.
Is Columbus Day still a federal holiday?
Yes. Columbus Day is one of 11 federal holidays still recognized by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Some argue it celebrates Italian American heritage, while others say it glorifies an exploration that led to the genocide of native peoples.
"To have had American colonialism looked at throughout history as not being a problem and celebrated as a good thing is deeply problematic to any of us who live in a (Native-American) community or reservation,” Scott Stevens, the director of the Native American and Indigenous Studies Program at Syracuse University,previously toldUSA TODAY.
Story continues after gallery.
What is Indigenous Peoples' Day?
Indigenous Peoples' Day commemorates the history and culture of Native Americans, and it's not a recent invention. South Dakota was the first state to recognize it in 1989, and the California cities of Berkeley and Santa Cruz followed suit.
Approximately 29 states and Washington, D.C. do not celebrate Columbus Day. About 216 cities haverenamed it or replaced itwith Indigenous Peoples Day, according to renamecolumbusday.org. Some states recognize Indigenous Peoples Day via proclamation, whileothers treat it as an official holiday.
Others are reading:County officials in Indiana learn Juneteenth by any other name isn't Juneteenth
Is Columbus Day always on a Monday?
Yes. The observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day is always on the second Monday of October.
Are federal and state government offices open Columbus Day?
Allfederalandstate officesin Indiana will beclosed on Monday, Oct. 14. Indy's City-County offices also will be closed for Columbus Day and Indigenous People's Day.
Will the post office be open Columbus Day?
TheUnited States Postal Servicewill be closed Columbus Day. No mail will be delivered.
FedEx Ground Economy and FedEx Express will operate on modified hours, while all other services will be open. UPS delivery and pickup services will be open on Monday, Oct. 14, however, UPS SurePostand UPSMail Innovations deliveries will require an additional business day in transit.
Is the BMV closed on Columbus Day?
Yes. Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles will be closed from Saturday, Oct. 12 through Monday, October 14 in observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day. To find a 24-hour BMV Connect kiosk near you, to make an online transaction or for a complete list of BMV branch locations and hours, visit IN.gov/BMV.
Will banks be open on Columbus Day?
Most bankswill be closed Monday in observance of Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples' Day.
October comet:How to see the 'comet of the century' zoom through Indiana's skies before it disappears.
Will supermarkets or big stores close on Columbus Day?
Hoosiers will still be able to shop at most supermarkets, such as Kroger, Meijer, and Aldi, which will remain open. That includes other major retailers like Target, Walmart, and CVS. Check each store's website for a list of locations and hours.
Will the stock market be open on Columbus Day?
The stock market will be open on Monday, but the bond market will be closed.
What else is closed for Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples' Day?
Most Indiana classrooms will be closed on Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day, including Indianapolis Public Schools, which begin fall break on Monday, Oct. 14.
All branches of the Indianapolis Public Library will be closed Monday, Oct. 14 for Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Will my trash get picked up on Columbus Day?
In Indianapolis, regular trash pickup will continue with a normal schedule during the holiday.
Chris Sims is a digital producer for the Journal Star. Follow him on Twitter:@ChrisFSims.
John Tuftscovers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip atJTufts@Gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter atJTuftsReports.