Bill to Replace Columbus Day With Cabrini Day Moves Forward

DENVER – Yesterday, the Senate Local Government Committee passed HB20-1031: Replace Columbus Day with New State Holiday, on a vote of 3-1. This bill repeals Colorado’s holiday commemorating Christopher Columbus and replaces it with Cabrini Day. 

Mother Cabrini is a Colorado Humanitarian who founded 67 education, health, and spiritual institutions to serve the poor across the country. Her legacy is a shining example of service and commitment to community that warrants a day of commemoration across the state. 

“This bill to replace Columbus Day with Cabrini Day is the product of decades of conversation around the impact of exploration and colonization around the world," said sponsor Senator Angela Williams (D-Denver). "HB20-1031 shows that we can celebrate both our Italian and Indigenous Coloradans and their unique histories in this state. Replacing Columbus Day with Cabrini day is a strong step forward to commemorate an incredible woman with a statewide holiday."

While Columbus Day is a federal holiday, less than half of states in this country observe the day. The nationwide inconsistency of this holiday is evidence that while many of us owe our presence in this country to Christopher Columbus, there are individuals whose contributions are more worthy of our recognition and celebration. 

“While Columbus' arrival in the Americas has historical significance, we must recognize the painful consequences his presence caused Indigenous people”, said sponsor Senator Chris Hansen (D-Denver). “This bill allows us to celebrate Italian-Americans and their contributions to our country while acknowledging the trauma our Indigenous communities have felt in the many centuries since Columbus’ arrival.”

HB20-1031: Replace Columbus Day with New State Holiday would make Colorado one of nearly two dozen states that no longer celebrate Columbus Day. With the passage of Mother Cabrini Day, Colorado will be the first state to have a paid holiday commemorating a woman.

HB20-1031 will next be heard on the Senate floor. To learn more about the bill, please visit: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb20-1031