Essays ✍️

Columbus Day is a holiday celebrated in the United States to honor the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, who arrived in the Americas on October 12, 1492. This event is often called one of the most important moments in world history because it connected Europe and the New World for the first time.

Columbus believed he could reach Asia by sailing west across the Atlantic Ocean. After more than two months at sea, he reached the islands that are now part of the Caribbean. Even though he thought he had found Asia, his discovery changed history forever. His journey led to the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between continents — something we now call the Columbian Exchange.

For many years, people celebrated Columbus Day as a symbol of courage, exploration, and discovery. Parades, speeches, and school activities were held to honor his achievement. However, in recent decades, people began to look at this day differently. They realized that Columbus’s arrival also brought harm to Native Americans, including loss of land, culture, and lives.

Because of this, some places now celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day. This holiday recognizes the first people who lived in the Americas and their rich cultures and traditions.

Columbus Day is therefore not only about celebration but also about learning. It teaches us to look at history from different points of view and to remember that exploration should always respect other people and their rights.