While the second Monday of October is almost at your doorstep, are you planning some Italian culinary specialties for the weekend? Is it a family gathering or a friend's meet that's on your mind for Columbus week? It's not only celebrating Columbus Day but the Fall season too. So, what better than going in for some tasty Italian menu?

Stack your kitchen shelves with cooking ingredients that especially come all the way from Italy like the Italian olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite cheese! Well, as you munch on your lip-smacking preparations or that crispy walnut biscotti along with a cup of steaming coffee, check out these amazing facts about Columbus Day.

Columbus discovered America accidentally!

Christopher Columbus, an Italian voyager had set sail in search of Asia. He defied the “flat-earth” belief of many geographers at that time. As Columbus believed that the earth was round in shape, he started from West Spain hoping to reach Asia via a shorter route. What happened as a consequence created history – he landed in the unknown (till then) land of America!

Some American states today choose not to celebrate Columbus Day!

Among the many states that have chosen not to observe Columbus Day are – Florida, Alaska, New Mexico, Vermont, etc. These states have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous People's Day! History recalls that Columbus’ arrival resulted in tyranny and oppression of innumerable native Americans!

Columbus was made the governor of the island of Hispaniola. His brothers Bartolomeo and Diego ruled this Spanish colony, but things did not run smoothly. The brothers were accused of enslaving countless natives and even hanged the Spanish colonists who came to question them! Thus, they had to be shipped back to Spain in chains.

Many states observe the day as Indigenous People’s Day

The controversy surrounding the celebration of Columbus Day culminated into states like Alaska, Denver, Hawaii, and many others observing it as Indigenous People's Day. Although it wasn't until the year 1937 that Columbus Day was designated as a federal holiday, since 1991, most cities refused to observe it as Columbus Day.

Instead, they commemorated the sacrifices and oppression suffered by the native Americans! Many say that Indigenous Day, therefore, is a much more honest and fair representation of American values.

Columbus Day received its first-ever recognition in 1905

Colorado was the first-ever state to recognize the day of Christopher's arrival as Columbus Day. The Governor's proclamation declared it as a holiday. Later it was declared as a federal holiday in 1937 by Congress. It was proclaimed a 'legal public holiday' only in the year 1968.

The day is known by different names at different places!

The Bahamas calls it the “Discovery Day” and it’s called the “Native American Day” in South Dakota. Hawaii, many times refers to the day as the "Discoverer's Day".

Whether you are celebrating Columbus Day or Indigenous People's Day, we’d keenly lend our ears to your plans for this Columbus Day weekend. List down all your grocery essentials if you're a food lover or pack your bags and venture out to your favorite weekend destination!