Why October 13, 2025 Matters

On Monday, October 13, 2025, three distinct holidays converge across North America: Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the United States, and Thanksgiving Day in Canada. This rare alignment invites reflection on history, celebration of cultural resilience, and a moment of gratitude — all while kicking off a wave of seasonal sales.

🇺🇸 Columbus Day: Legacy and Controversy

Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus’s 1492 arrival in the Americas. First federally recognized in 1937, it has long been celebrated with parades and Italian-American heritage events. However, growing awareness of Columbus’s role in colonization and violence has led many communities to reconsider his place in modern culture. Today, some states and cities have replaced it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day or observe both simultaneously. Source

🌎 Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Honoring Resilience

Indigenous Peoples’ Day began in Berkeley, California, in 1992 as a counter-holiday to Columbus Day. It gained federal recognition in 2021 and continues to grow in prominence. Celebrations include land acknowledgments, cultural performances, storytelling, and educational events that honor Native-Americans' historical contributions. Indigenous Peoples’ Day Source

🇨🇦 Canadian Thanksgiving: Gratitude and Harvest

Canadian Thanksgiving traces its roots to European harvest festivals and was first celebrated nationally in 1879. Since 1957, it has been observed on the second Monday of October. Traditionally marked by family meals, church services, and fall-themed gatherings, today’s celebrations include multicultural dishes, outdoor activities, and football games. The holiday continues to evolve with a focus on sustainability and community service. Canadian Thanksgiving Source

🎉 Celebrations Then and Now

• Columbus Day: Once dominated by parades, now increasingly replaced or paired with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day: From grassroots activism to official recognition, with growing cultural programming.
• Canadian Thanksgiving: From colonial harvests to inclusive, modern gatherings with diverse foods and traditions.

🛍️ October 13 Sales & Discounts

Retailers are seizing the moment with early holiday deals:

• Amazon: Prime Big Deal Days offer major markdowns on electronics, home goods, and gifts Source
• Walmart: Deals Week features up to 84% off toys, fashion, and tech Source
• Target & Best Buy: Competing sales on appliances, seasonal décor, and beauty products Source

October is now a prime time for early gift shopping, and many deals rival Black Friday prices.

🌟 Looking Ahead

As these holidays continue to evolve, October 13 offers a chance to reflect on history, celebrate cultural diversity, and prepare for the season ahead. Whether you're gathering with loved ones, honoring Indigenous voices, or scoring early deals, this day invites us to engage with the past and shape a more inclusive future.