Learn about Columbus Day in the US
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| Hi everyone, I'm Alisha. |
| Columbus Day celebrates the day that Christopher Columbus first arrived in the Americas. The holiday is celebrated on October 12th and, in some cities, there are very large parades and many other events. It's particularly popular in US cities with large Italian populations, though it's celebrated nationwide. |
| A famous American charity organization is named after Christopher Columbus and takes part in celebrations during Columbus Day. Can you guess which one? |
| We’ll show you the answer at the end of this video. |
| In Italian-American communities, particularly in the larger cities in the US, Columbus Day is very much tied to a celebration of their heritage, in addition to the celebration of Columbus's arrival in the Americas. Cultural and religious images and symbols specific to Italian-Americans are abundant in Columbus Day parades. |
| If there's one thing that defines Columbus Day celebrations in the US, it's the parade. New York City is particularly well-known for its large Columbus Day parade. San Francisco has the longest-running Columbus Day celebration in the United States, dating back to1868. |
| Columbus Day in the US is not celebrated in every state. In fact, some US states do not recognize it at all and many schools remain open on the day. There is controversy surrounding this holiday, and it's been changed to a celebration of Native American cultures in some areas. |
| Columbus didn't realize he'd arrived in the Americas. This is why Native Americans are sometimes referred to as "Indians", which, incidentally, some say is politically incorrect. Columbus initially thought he was in the East Indies! |
| And now here's the answer to the quiz. |
| Do you know a famous American charity organization that's named after Christopher Columbus and takes part in celebrations on Columbus Day? |
| The Knights of Columbus is a charitable organization with very strong Italian and Catholic roots. They participate in just about every Columbus Day celebration. You'll find them marching among the participants in any large parade, to be sure! |
| How was this lesson? Did you learn something interesting? |
| Are there any holidays that celebrate a famous historical figure in your country? |
| Please leave a comment at EnglishClass101.com |
| Until next time! |
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