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Amerigo Vespucci Day

A cultural observance on March 9 honoring Amerigo Vespucci, the Italian explorer and navigator whose voyages helped recognize the Americas as a new continent, leading the continents to be named after him.

Tuesday

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMarch 9

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYFamous People

ORIGIN

Government Proclamation

FOUNDING ENTITY

Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller of New York

FIRST OBSERVED

1959

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

On March 2, 1959, Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller of New York declared March 9 as Amerigo Vespucci Day via proclamation, commemorating the explorer's birth anniversary and his role in recognizing the Americas as a New World separate from Asia.

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the life and legacy of Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci on March 9 with Amerigo Vespucci Day! This holiday honors the man who lent his name to two continents, North and South America. While Christopher Columbus is often credited with discovering America, it was actually Amerigo Vespucci who first realized that this was a new continent and not part of Asia. His journey in 1497 led to a renewed interest in exploration and opened up opportunities for trade between Europe and the Americas. So let's take a moment to appreciate this brave and adventurous explorer on his special day!

TIMELINE

Amerigo Vespucci Day Timeline

Birth of Amerigo Vespucci

Amerigo Vespucci was born in Florence, Italy, into a prominent family of merchants and bankers.

First Voyage to the Americas

Amerigo Vespucci embarked on his first voyage to the New World, where he explored the coast of South America.

Letter to Lorenzo de' Medici

Vespucci wrote a letter to Lorenzo de' Medici, describing his journey to the "New World," a term he used before it became common.

Naming of America

Martin Waldseemüller used the name “America” for the New World in his world map, attributing Vespucci as the discoverer of the new continent.

Vespucci's Death

Amerigo Vespucci passed away in Seville, Spain, leaving a significant legacy in the field of exploration.

Amerigo Vespucci Day Celebrations

Each year on March 9th, Amerigo Vespucci Day is observed to honor the contributions of this notable Italian explorer.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Amerigo Vespucci Day

Host an Italian-themed party

Amerigo Vespucci was an Italian explorer, so what better way to celebrate his day than with an Italian-themed party? Serve traditional Italian dishes and drinks, play Italian music, and decorate with the colors of the Italian flag.

TAKE

Take a trip to a new place

In honor of Vespucci's explorations, plan a trip to a new place you've never been before. It could be a nearby city or a foreign country - the important thing is to explore and discover something new, just like Vespucci did.

LEARN

Learn about Vespucci's voyages

Take some time to read up on Vespucci's voyages and learn about his contributions to exploration. You can visit a museum exhibit, watch a documentary, or even read his own writings. Expand your knowledge and understanding of this famous explorer.

COOK

Cook a traditional Italian meal

In addition to hosting an Italian-themed party, you can also celebrate by cooking a traditional Italian meal at home. Choose a recipe that originates from the region where Vespucci was born or where he traveled to during his expeditions.

WATCH

Watch a movie about exploration

Gather some friends and watch a movie about exploration. You can choose a historical film about Amerigo Vespucci or pick a fictional adventure movie that will inspire your own sense of exploration and discovery.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Amerigo Vespucci Day

Reflecting on our own sense of adventure

Amerigo Vespucci was a bold explorer who fearlessly sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in search of new lands. On Amerigo Vespucci Day, we can take this as inspiration to reflect on our own sense of adventure and try something new and daring!

Celebrating a historical figure

Amerigo Vespucci was an Italian explorer who played a significant role in the discovery and mapping of the New World. His contributions to history are worth celebrating, and Amerigo Vespucci Day gives us the perfect opportunity to do so.

Embracing diversity and cultural exchange

Amerigo Vespucci's travels opened up doors for cultural exchange between Europe and the Americas. By celebrating him, we can also celebrate the diverse cultures that were brought together through his explorations.