Discovery Day is observed in the Cayman Islands on the third Monday in May, celebrating the discovery of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman by Christopher Columbus in 1503. This holiday acknowledges the islands' history, which remained largely uninhabited after their European discovery, with settlers including pirates, refugees, and shipwrecked sailors. The Cayman Islands have been under British control since 1670, and after Jamaica's independence in 1962, they became a separate Crown colony, with the British monarch as the nominal head. The territory is governed by an elected governor, serving a four-year term. Discovery Day serves as a public holiday, allowing residents to reflect on their unique heritage and history.