Columbus Day is meant to commemorate the day that Columbus landed in the Bahamas, which was part of the Americas, in 1494. This accomplishment was important because he was the first European since the 10th century that had the opportunity to explore this area. Each October, Columbus Day is celebrated to remember Columbus and his voyage.
About The Trip
When he set sail on the expedition that brought him to the Bahamas, it took him 45 days to first spot it. The three named ships he brought with him were the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. He had a crew of 90 men with him. The purpose of his expedition was to sail to India, Asia and China so a western sea route could be charted. Not all of Columbus’ three ships or men made it back. The Santa Maria could not set sail again because it ran aground and 40 of the men had to stay with it because the other two ships did not have room on them. In total, Columbus ended up sailing to this New World a total of three times.
Fun Facts about Christopher Columbus and Columbus Day
-At 15 years old Columbus started sailing. He died when he was 55. No one knows where he is buried as he was reburied many times, each in a different part of the world.
-There are no known portraits of Christopher Columbus. No one alive today knows for sure what he looked like.
-Columbus Day did not become a national holiday until President Roosevelt declared it one in 1934. October 12th was the official holiday until 1971. It changed to be held on the second Monday in October, which is also the Canadian Thanksgiving.
-The states of Alaska, Hawaii and South Dakota do not formally recognize Columbus Day. In most other states, there are parades and schools are closed.
-New York City has the biggest Columbus Day parade in the nation. Approximately 35,000 people attend it each year.
-The United States isn’t the only country to celebrate Columbus Day. In Puerto Rico, Friendship Day and Columbus Day are celebrated together. It’s called Discovery Day in the Bahamas. Those in Belize and Uruguay call it the Day of the America. It’s called Fiesta Nacional in Spain and Dia de la Raza in Latin America.
In honor of Columbus Day, why don’t you bring out the inner “Columbus” in you? Make plans to explore a place that you’ve never been to before on a cruise. These ships have amenities that would have made the voyage on the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria a lot more enjoyable!
