Hey, friends.
So, do you also want to know why some people celebrate Columbus Day while others do not even accept it?
Today, in this blog, I will try to cover everything about this event without making it boring. Don’t worry, I will keep it simple.
And, the sweetest part is that I will also give the best dessert ideas to celebrate this day.
So, are you ready?
What is Columbus Day?
So, this is a federal holiday in the United States, which is celebrated because of the arrival of Christopher Columbus in America on October 12, 1492.
It’s celebrated on the second Monday of October.
Many cities host parades, festivals, or cultural events on this day as people see it celebration of exploration and Italian-American heritage.
But now things have changed with time. Now, many people think that the arrival of Christopher Columbus began the hardships for Indigenous communities.
That’s why several states and cities have replaced or renamed it as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
How Did This Day Become a Federal Holiday?
At first, it wasn’t a national holiday.
The very first celebration took place in New York City in 1792. Then, in the late 1800s, Italian-American communities began to celebrate it more widely.
Finally, in 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially announced Columbus Day a national holiday.
Why is Columbus Day controversial?
Nowadays, many people question its celebration. Here are the reasons:
- Columbus did not truly discover America. Indigenous people were living here before he arrived.
- When Columbus came, Indigenous people started facing difficulties like unfair labor, violence, and loss of their homes.
- Also, for many years, history books have only explained the positive side of his journey.
Because of these reasons, many places in the United States now celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
How do Different Places Celebrate Columbus Day?
It is celebrated differently across the United States and beyond.
- Parades and Festivals: Cities like New York and San Francisco host large Columbus Day parades that honor Italian-American heritage.
- Cultural Events: Many Italian-American communities arrange food fairs, historical exhibitions, and family gatherings to celebrate.
- Educational Programs: Schools and museums sometimes use the day to teach about Christopher Columbus’s journey.
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebrations: States like California, Maine, and New Mexico celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. They host cultural performances, storytelling events, and ceremonies to honor Native American history.
- Government Closures: In some states, Columbus Day is still a federal holiday, so government offices and banks stay closed. However, many states treat it as a regular working day.
How to Talk About Columbus Day with Kids?
Talking with kids might feel tricky. Many parents are confused about where and how to start.
It’s a day that feels different to different people, so the goal should be to guide kids with honesty and kindness.
First of all, explain to them that Columbus was an explorer who sailed across many years ago and reached America. Then tell them, Indigenous people were already living there. Make sure to teach both sides of history.
Don’t make him a hero or villain. Explain that his journey was important but also caused harm. Tell them that history teaches us to be respectful, no matter what their background is.
3 Reasons Some People Celebrate Columbus Day
- To Honor Exploration and Discovery
- To Celebrate Italian-American Heritage
- To Recognize the Beginning of Cultural Exchange
Yes, this history is complicated, but his journey started global interactions between Europe and the Americas, which led to the modern world we are living in today.
3 Reasons Some People Don’t Celebrate Columbus Day
- Acknowledging Indigenous Suffering.
- The Story Isn’t Complete means only his heroic side was highlighted.
- Choosing not to celebrate can be a way to honor Indigenous cultures.
Dessert Ideas for Columbus Day
Now, here are some best dessert ideas you can try to celebrate Columbus Day.
Italian Flag Cupcakes
So, here is a patriotic treat for Columbus Day.
Bake your favorite cupcake, then use green, white, and red frostings to represent the Italian flag. You can add either stripes or swirls or even tiny matching stars for extra charm.
You can also add a little topper of a sailing ship to honor Columbus’s journey.
Note: All cake images on this blog are AI-generated based on our creative concepts and imagination. They are meant to inspire design ideas, not actual baked products.
Nautical-Themed Cake
Ready to sail into the spirit of Columbus Day?
Think blue waves of frosting, edible anchors, and tiny fondant ships to celebrate the ocean journey of Columbus.
This cake works beautifully for both kids’ parties and adult gatherings.
Chocolate-Dipped Biscotti Cupcakes
Try a crunchy and chocolatey treat on this Columbus Day.
This is my personal favourite. Start with a soft, fluffy cupcake base and add the Italian magic with biscotti flavor. Now, dip or drizzle each cupcake with rich chocolate for a perfect sweet touch.
Kids will love the chocolate, and adults will enjoy the biscotti crunch.
Map-Inspired Cake
Ever thought of a cake that looks like a map?
You can try a circular cake and decorate it with edible map, little fondant ships, or even a tiny compass.
Or start with a simple sponge or vanilla cake and cover it with fondant or buttercream. Then, use edible markers, chocolate, or colored icing to draw the map and ocean details.
It will be perfect for big crowds.
Sailing Ship Wheel Cake
Shape the top of your cake like a ship’s wheel. It will surely give you a realistic vibe. You can make it with fondant, chocolate, and even cookies.
Start with a round cake and cover it with a smooth layer of buttercream. Then, carefully place your wheel decoration on top. You can also add edible ropes, anchors, or waves around the sides.
It’s the best dessert to impress your guests.
Compass Rose Cake
Looking for a cake that captures the spirit of exploration?
You can decorate the top of the cake with a compass design using fondant or colored icing to show all the directions.
You can even add edible gold accents or little stars to make it look like an antique navigator’s map.
This cake is fun, educational, and perfect for sparking curiosity about exploration. It works well for Columbus Day.
Wrapping Up Celebrations
I hope you enjoyed this blog. From the history of Columbus Day to how different places celebrate it, and all the fun dessert ideas, I’ve tried to cover everything you might want to know.
And I hope these ideas inspire you to create a memorable and delicious celebration this Columbus Day.
Need More Ideas
Now, if you need more cake design ideas, then visit my previous blogs like Labor Day cake, Dragon cakes, bento cakes, and many more for your next celebration.
See you in my next Blog.
Until then, Good Luck and Happy Baking!
FAQ’s
When is Columbus Day 2025?
Columbus Day 2025 will be observed on Monday, October 13th, following the U.S. tradition of celebrating it on the second Monday of October.
Why is Columbus Day no longer celebrated?
Some communities no longer celebrate because of the negative impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples and the controversies surrounding Columbus’s actions.
Is Columbus Day a federal holiday?
Yes, Columbus Day is still a federal holiday in the United States, meaning federal offices and some businesses may be closed.
What is Columbus Day called now?
In many places, it is now called Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor Native American communities instead of celebrating Columbus.
Is Columbus Day a bank holiday?
Yes, many banks observe Columbus Day, so some may be closed, though it depends on the state and the bank.
Who found America first?
Indigenous peoples were the first to inhabit the Americas, long before Columbus arrived in 1492.
What did Christopher Columbus do?
Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer who sailed across the Atlantic in 1492 and reached the Caribbean, opening the way for European exploration.
What language did Christopher Columbus speak?
Columbus primarily spoke Italian, but he also knew some Spanish and Latin, especially later in life.
Where is Columbus buried?
Christopher Columbus was originally buried in Spain, but his remains were moved several times and are now claimed to be in Seville, Spain, with some debate over this.
Are these cakes real?
The cake ideas you see here share my imaginative cake designs created with the help of AI technology. These are artistic inspirations for bakers, decorators, and cake enthusiasts.
