Columbus Day, celebrated on the second Monday of October, holds special significance for the large Italian-American population in New Jersey. With over 17% of the state’s residents tracing their roots back to Italy, this day goes beyond honoring Christopher Columbus—it serves as a celebration of Italian heritage and cultural pride.
New Jersey’s Strong Italian American Background
In towns across New Jersey, from Hoboken to Atlantic City, Columbus Day has long been marked by parades, festivals, and community events that pay tribute to the contributions of Italian-Americans. These festivities often include traditional Italian food, music, and the celebration of the shared immigrant experience. For many, Columbus Day serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of Italian immigrants who came to the U.S. in search of a better life and contributed significantly to the growth and fabric of American society.
While New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said he embraces Columbus Day and the Italian heritage of the state, he has also allowed each municipality to decide whether to celebrate Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day.
Italian-Americans have a strong presence in New Jersey’s history. From the early waves of immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to today, they have left an indelible mark on the state’s culture. Iconic neighborhoods like “Little Italy” in Newark were once hubs of Italian immigrant life, and today, the Italian-American influence remains vibrant in New Jersey’s cuisine, arts, and even politics. Celebrating Columbus Day for many in the Italian-American community is not just about Columbus himself, but about acknowledging their ancestors’ struggle and perseverance.
Columbus Day Controversy
However, in recent years, Columbus Day has become a lightning rod for controversy. Critics of the holiday argue that Columbus’ legacy is tainted by his treatment of Indigenous peoples. Activists, especially from left-leaning and progressive groups, have increasingly pushed to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, arguing that it would better reflect historical realities and honor the original inhabitants of the Americas. This movement has gained traction in parts of the U.S., with some cities and states choosing to rename or replace Columbus Day altogether.
In the past few years, New Jersey has witnessed growing controversy surrounding Columbus Day and statues of Christopher Columbus. Several towns and cities in the state have faced debates and vandalism incidents related to these monuments, particularly in the context of the ongoing national conversation about historical figures with problematic legacies.
Columbus Day Under Fire in New Jersey
One of the most notable instances of controversy occurred in Trenton, where the Columbus statue in Columbus Park was vandalized multiple times, including being defaced with red paint. The vandalism was accompanied by a note left by an anti-fascist group, calling for the removal of the statue and criticizing Columbus’ actions toward Indigenous peoples. This incident led to discussions about whether the statue should remain or be removed, a conversation echoed in towns like Camden, Atlantic City, and Pennsauken, where similar acts of vandalism occurred.
In some areas, such as Long Branch and Asbury Park, local groups have called for the removal of Columbus statues, citing the explorer’s role in the mistreatment and genocide of Indigenous populations. These groups argue that the monuments serve as painful reminders of colonial violence. Meanwhile, many Italian-American communities, who view Columbus as a symbol of their heritage, have defended the statues. In Long Branch, for example, the mayor expressed his reluctance to remove the statue but was open to discussing the broader historical context surrounding Columbus.
New Jersey, with its strong Italian-American community, has been at the center of these cultural battles. While some towns in the state have begun to adopt Indigenous Peoples’ Day alongside or instead of Columbus Day, many others have resisted, seeing it as an attack on their heritage. For Italian-Americans, especially the older generations, Columbus remains a symbol of Italian-American pride, an immigrant who achieved success against all odds, much like their own forebears. To them, the push to cancel Columbus Day feels like a dismissal of their cultural identity and a rewriting of their history.
Why we should continue to celebrate Columbus Day
Despite these tensions, Columbus Day continues to be widely observed in New Jersey, though the conversation around it has evolved. The holiday now serves as a reflection point not just for celebrating Italian culture, but also for grappling with the complex legacies of history. While the debate over Columbus Day is likely to persist, it remains an important day for many Italian-Americans in New Jersey who see it as a celebration of their heritage and contributions to American life.
For those who cherish Columbus Day, the holiday is not merely a defense of a historical figure but an affirmation of cultural pride, something they fear is being eroded by an ever-growing wave of historical revisionism. Yet, as the debate continues, it presents an opportunity for all communities to reflect on both the past and the future, ensuring that all heritages are celebrated and respected.