Monday marks Columbus Day, which celebrates the date Italian explorer Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas from Europe in 1492.
While the holiday has sparked controversy due to the impacts of colonialism, many still celebrate the day as a piece of American history or as a way to honor Native Americans.
Also known as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the federal holiday impacts mail since many carriers close or significantly alter office hours.
Due to this, Americans should keep in mind they may not receive mail as usual on Monday, and regular businesses like stores and restaurants could be closed as well.
Post Office
All United States post offices are scheduled to be closed on Monday, and regular mail deliveries and packages have been suspended.
There are a few postal services that will still be available online. This includes stamp, box and supply sales. You can also still pick up shipping labels and schedule package pickups for after Columbus Day.
FedEx
Unlike the United States Post Office, FedEx will keep its doors open on Columbus Day.
The company said its FedEx Express and FedEx Ground Economy will have modified services, but you should expect all other deliveries to be business as usual.
UPS
Similar to FedEx, UPS will continue to offer pickup and delivery services throughout the holiday.
However, for UPS SurePost and Mail Innovations deliveries, you should anticipate a one-day delay as a result of the holiday.
All UPS store locations should remain open on Monday.
Other Businesses
There will also be disruptions to several other businesses due to Columbus Day.
Expect most banks to be closed. That includes Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Citibank. However, digital banking services and ATMs should still be available.
While the majority of retailers and grocery stores will stay open on Monday, you should call the store or restaurant to confirm their hours before making your way there.
A prior study from the Pew Research Center found 21 states and Washington, D.C., pay employees for Columbus Day as a holiday. Generally, all federal employees will have the day off as a paid holiday, and those offices will be closed.
While technically Indigenous People’s Day is not designated as a federal holiday, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation that recognized the day for the last three years.
“On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor Indigenous peoples’ strength, courage, and resilience,” the president said in a statement Friday. “We celebrate the vast contributions of Indigenous communities to the world. And we recommit to respecting Tribal sovereignty and self-determination and working to usher in a new era of our Nation-to-Nation relationships.”
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