It's Columbus Day

Columbus Day, which Gothmamist hasn't really celebrated, except for college protests about the holiday (which are pretty matter-of-fact at the alma mater), means that banks and some schools are closed. There's only Express Mail from the US Postal Service, but the branch at 8th Avenue across from Penn Station is open. And more likely than not, you still have work. But for those of you who are able to, the city has some festivities you can partake in, such as the Columbua Day Parade as well as street vendors in Battery Park City.

The Library of Congress on Columbus Day, another website about Columbus's journey and one we like better about the food he ate.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on October 11, 2004 8:57 AM

Comments [rss]

Rose

Oh, blah blah blah and Columbus was responsible for blah blah blah. Try sitting near someone who couldn't understand why they don't celebrate Columbus Day in Canada. As a matter of fact, they are now celebrating Thanksgiving.

jen/arts

http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Zinn/Columbus_PeoplesHx.html

S.D.

Well, He *DID* pettition the crown in an attempt to enslave the local population. (The Queen refused, pointing out that the natives were now Spanish Subjects.)

SteveO, If you want to raise the flag and celebrate the discovery of America, that's cool, but Others also see the shameful actions of many Europeans that came after. (Conquistador's, Pilgrims trading Blankets from Small Pox victems, US of A "Manifest Destiny", etc)

Just a thought, Is it "Politically Correct" to simply acknowledge the truth of these matters? Or is it better to totaly ignore it and Celebrate a man whom wrote the Crown for permission to enslave the natives??