Columbus Day Or Indigenous Peoples Day? It Depends Which State You’re In

The holiday observed today, October 13, remains one of the most inconsistently celebrated in the United States, reflecting the nation’s ongoing debate over how to mark the second Monday in October. Once only known as Columbus Day, the date is also marked as Indigenous Peoples Day by some and a day of various cultural or heritage celebrations.

Whether October 13, 2025, is recognized as Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, or simply another Monday largely depends on where Americans live and work.

Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, but seventeen states and the District of Columbia now mark Indigenous Peoples Day or similar observances honoring Native Americans. Of these, six recognize it alongside Columbus Day as a paid holiday, five observe it as a paid holiday in its own right, and