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This Monday, October 13, 2025, the United States pauses to commemorate a date filled with history, controversy, and social changes: Columbus Day, officially recognized as a federal holiday; and the more recent "Indigenous Peoples' Day," adopted by various states and localities.
This duality has reconfigured the way the second Monday in October is celebrated and has caused adjustments in public services, institutional activities, and businesses across the country.
Here we provide you with a detailed guide on what opens and what closes during this festive day that marks both the legacy of Christopher Columbus and the historical memory of the indigenous peoples of America.
Supermarkets, pharmacies, and retail stores: Mostly open
Despite the federal holiday, commercial activities continue in the retail sector:
The major supermarket chains such as Walmart, Target, Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Aldi will be open, although they may operate with modified hours in some locations.
Major pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens will also keep their doors open.
However, the general recommendation is to check with each local store before heading out, especially if they are independent businesses or smaller chains that might observe the holiday.
Restaurants and food services
The food sector maintains its usual pace. Chains like McDonald's, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Chili’s will be open and will offer service both in-store and for takeout or delivery.
Some establishments may adjust their hours depending on their location, but generally, regular operations are expected.
Banks: Most are closed, but with exceptions
Most traditional banking institutions will not operate on Monday, October 13th.
Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, PNC, Truist, Capital One, and JPMorgan Chase will be closed, as confirmed to media outlets such as USA Today.
Some Chase Bank branches may operate under special hours.
TD Bank, for its part, will remain open, being the main exception.
Capital One will keep some of its cafés open, although its banking services will not be available.
Electronic transactions may be delayed until Tuesday the 14th, the next business day.
Government offices and public services: most closed
As a federal holiday, Columbus Day directly impacts the operations of public institutions. The vast majority remain closed.
Federal offices such as the IRS and federal courts are closed.
In Florida, state offices are also closed, as are local agencies such as the Miami-Dade County libraries and the Pet Adoption and Protection Center. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will not be operating that day either.
Mail and shipping services: limited but not completely closed
Traditional mail will be affected: The United States Postal Service (USPS) is suspending regular mail delivery and counter service.
Only Priority Mail Express deliveries will remain available, operating 365 days a year.
FedEx and UPS courier services will operate as usual
-UPS will have collection, delivery, and stores open.
FedEx will operate with regular deliveries and open offices, although with modified service in some areas.
Schools: Each district decides
The opening or closing of schools depends on each school district.
In Miami-Dade County, schools will remain open and continue their activities as usual.
In Broward, there will be no classes due to a teacher planning day.
Financial markets: open, except for the bond market
Although it is a holiday, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq will not close and will operate as on a regular business day.
However, the U.S. bond market will remain closed, according to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA).
After the closure that occurred for Labor Day in September, there will be no further interruptions in the stock market until Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27.
The Politics Behind the Holiday: Between Proclamations and Controversies
The celebration of Columbus Day is not without controversy.
Since 2021, under the presidency of Joe Biden, a federal proclamation was issued for the first time in honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day, as an act of recognition for native communities and in response to growing criticism of Christopher Columbus's legacy.
Although this day has not been adopted as a federal holiday, it has been proclaimed by several states and cities as an alternative to Columbus Day.
In contrast, in 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a strong defense of Columbus Day.
In the words of the president: "Christopher Columbus opened the door to the greatest civilization the world has ever known."
Trump signed a decree that reaffirms the holiday as a celebration of the historical roots of the United States, and denounced the "radical efforts to erase history."
During a cabinet meeting at the White House, he declared: “Columbus Day — we’re back, Italians!”
These statements were well received by Italian-American communities that for years have fought against the removal of Columbus statues, which have been the subject of controversy, vandalism, and protests in cities such as Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis.
The cultural context: Hispanic Heritage Month
The holiday also coincides with the final stretch of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15.
The Trump administration issued a statement highlighting "the patriotism, entrepreneurship, and cultural wealth" of Hispanic communities.
However, analysts noted the absence of public acts or more personal statements compared to previous commemorations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbus Day in the U.S.
What services are closed on Columbus Day?
The majority of government offices, banks, and the postal service are closed on Columbus Day. This includes federal offices such as the IRS and federal courts, as well as many state and local offices. Regular mail deliveries are also suspended, although companies like FedEx and UPS operate normally.
Do supermarkets open on Columbus Day?
Most supermarkets remain open on Columbus Day. Chains like Walmart, Target, Costco, and Trader Joe’s operate as usual, although some may have modified hours. It is advisable to check with your local store before visiting.
How does Columbus Day affect banks and financial transactions?
The majority of banks are closed on Columbus Day. However, TD Bank is an exception and remains open. Electronic transactions may take until the next business day to process.
What is the controversy behind Columbus Day?
Columbus Day is controversial due to its association with Christopher Columbus and the impact on indigenous peoples. Some states have adopted "Indigenous Peoples' Day" as an alternative, while others defend the celebration of Columbus's historical legacy.
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