Pasadena Remained Open for October Holiday
While federal and county offices closed, Pasadena city services operated on their standard schedules.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Native American
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Pasadena City Hall and municipal services remained fully operational on Monday, Oct. 12, as the city does not recognize the federal holiday observed as Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day. Local fire, police, and trash collection services continued to function as usual for residents.
Why it matters
The scheduling difference highlights variations in how local, state, and federal agencies observe the second Monday in October. While federal offices and many Los Angeles County departments recognized the day as a holiday, the City of Pasadena does not include the date in its list of 11 public holidays.
Pasadena recognizes 11 public holidays per year but does not include the second Monday in October. Meanwhile, Los Angeles County has observed Indigenous Peoples Day on this date since 2019.
The players
Pasadena Unified School District
This local educational institution kept its campuses open for students and staff on Monday.
U.S. Postal Service
The independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government suspended regular mail delivery for the holiday.
The details
Although the U.S. Postal Service, federal courts, and most Los Angeles County offices closed for the holiday, Pasadena Unified School District campuses remained in session. Furthermore, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq maintained regular trading hours despite the federal closure.
Timeline
Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, marked the holiday observed as Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day.
Federal and county offices are scheduled to resume normal operations on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.
Culture Shift
The divergence in holiday scheduling reflects an ongoing societal trend where jurisdictions navigate the legacy of Columbus Day alongside the movement to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day. Local governments are increasingly deciding whether to align with federal mandates or maintain standard operational schedules for community services.
Residents were able to access city services and libraries without the disruption often caused by public holiday closures. The standard operational schedule ensured that trash collection and municipal appointments proceeded as planned for those living in the area.
The takeaway
Pasadena residents should verify city schedules independently since municipal calendars do not always mirror federal or county-level closures. Checking the official city website ensures you remain informed about the status of local government services during holidays.
Further reading
For more context on local cultural observances, visit the Native American section.
More information
For information on city services and account management, visit the Pasadena Water and Power account management portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pasadena Now.
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