Celebrate Columbus Day in Boston

Columbus Day, a nationally recognized federal holiday, falls on Monday, Oct. 8 this year. While it is an opportunity for some to sleep in on a Monday, the holiday itself is also interesting, and a great time to celebrate and shop.

Columbus Day remembers Italian explorer Christopher Columbus’ long journey across the Atlantic Ocean to the "New World." Columbus' crew first spotted land on Oct. 12, 1492. Some people protest having a holiday named after Columbus, because his voyages sparked widespread deaths among native peoples by the slave trade and spreading European diseases.

The USS Anzio is docked alongside the USS Constitution in Charlestown. You can take a free tour of the World War II-era ship from noon to 4 p.m. Monday. You can also enjoy free admission to the Museum of Fine Arts, which is hosting its fall open house. 

Because its a holiday, parking meters are free and the MBTA is running on a Saturday schedule. City, state and federal buildings are closed. 

The day is also considered a celebration of Italian heritage, as well as a huge shopping day in the U.S.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt is responsible for making the holiday a federal one in 1937.

What is closed on Columbus Day? Most banks, government offices and the U.S. Postal Service will be closed to observe the holiday. Here's a breakdown of what's open and closed Monday in JP.

Tell us: What are your plans for Columbus Day? Shopping? Relaxation? Celebration? Mourning?