Labor Day is one of the most anticipated dates for Americans, as it is one of the official holidays when workers get the day off to enjoy various activities with their families. The day of rest is coming to an end, so many are wondering when the next holiday will be. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Labor Day?
The holiday originated in the late 19th century when labor activists advocated for the creation of a federal holiday to recognize the significant contributions of workers to the development, prosperity, and well-being of the United States.
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With the rise of the Industrial Revolution, there was an increased demand for labor and the strengthening of labor unions. By the 1850s, movements for an eight-hour workday gained momentum, aiming to reduce work hours from ten to eight. At their first convention in 1886, the American Federation of Labor organized a general strike in Chicago on May 1 to demand shorter working hours, an event that culminated in the famous Haymarket affair.
Across the country, this day is commemorated with parades, speeches, and fireworks displays. Additionally, many Americans fill community pools and beaches or enjoy various outdoor activities.
Barbecues are another prominent tradition during Labor Day. From its early days, these gatherings have been a central part of the celebration, as outdoor gatherings were a deeply rooted custom in the United States. With the rise of labor movements in the late 19th century, it became natural to celebrate in large groups. By the 20th century, barbecues to mark the day transformed into more intimate gatherings of friends and family in backyards.
When is the next official holiday in the United States?
The next holiday on the calendar is Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day. After that, three more holidays follow:
- Tuesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day
- Thursday, Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Day
- Thursday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day
When is Columbus Day 2025?
Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day is observed in the United States on the second Monday of October. In 2025, that date falls on Monday, October 13.
Why is Columbus Day celebrated in the United States?
Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas on October 12, 1492. This date was established as a federal holiday in 1937 to recognize the “discovery” of the Americas by the Genoese navigator sailing under the Spanish Crown.
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For many years, Columbus Day was seen as a celebration of the beginning of European civilization in the New World, as well as an opportunity to honor Italian-American heritage, since Columbus is an emblematic figure within that community in the U.S. In fact, several Italian associations actively promoted its recognition as a national holiday in the early 20th century.
However, in recent decades, the meaning of Columbus Day has become a topic of debate. Many people and Indigenous communities criticize the celebration, as Columbus’s arrival also marked the beginning of centuries of colonization, exploitation, and violence against the continent’s native peoples. As a result, several states and cities in the U.S. have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, seeking to acknowledge and honor the native cultures that existed long before 1492.
How is Columbus Day celebrated in the United States?
In cities like New York and Chicago, parades, cultural activities, and events by the Italian-American community are organized. Some schools hold educational activities about Christopher Columbus’s legacy, though they also address his historical controversies.
