Google Calendar Holidays: Changes Ignored by Users
In a controversial move that has sparked widespread debate, Google has begun implementing significant changes to its mapping and calendar services, aligning with recent executive orders from the Trump administration. As of February 2025, the Gulf of Mexico has been officially renamed the Gulf of America on Google Maps in the U.S., while other geographic names are also undergoing revision. Beyond cartography, Google has faced backlash for removing culturally significant holidays from its calendar app, a decision that many view as a step away from inclusivity. This article delves into the implications of these changes, examining the balance Google is trying to strike between political pressures and community expectations.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name Change | Gulf of Mexico renamed to Gulf of America in the U.S. on Google Maps. |
| Location Reference | In Mexico, it remains Gulf of Mexico; globally both names are displayed. |
| Alaska Mountain Name | Denali reverted to Mount McKinley on Google Maps. |
| Apple Maps Update | Apple Maps to reflect Gulf of America name soon. |
| Holidays Removed | Cultural holidays like Black History Month and Pride Month removed from Google Calendar. |
| Reason for Removal | Google standardized calendars to include only public holidays according to timeanddate.com. |
| User Feedback | Many users criticized Google for removing holidays and yielding to presidential directives. |
| Calendar Options | Users can add holidays by subscribing to third-party calendars or creating their own events. |
| Company Stance | Google emphasizes it’s focusing on public holidays for a consistent global experience. |
| Political Pressure | Google’s decisions may be influenced by political pressures from President Trump. |
The Name Change: Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America
Recently, Google made a significant change by renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on its maps. This change was part of an executive order from President Donald Trump. While this shift is reflected in the U.S. version of Google Maps, Mexico continues to use the original name. This situation creates a unique scenario where people in different countries refer to the same body of water using different names.
The name change is not just about the Gulf; it also includes a reversal of the mountain name in Alaska from Denali back to Mount McKinley. This demonstrates how political decisions can influence what we see on digital platforms like Google Maps. As Apple Maps and other services update their information, the way we interact with geographical names will continue to evolve, showing the power of technology in shaping our understanding of the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changes did Google make regarding the Gulf of Mexico?
Google renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on U.S. maps, while maintaining the original name in Mexico and displaying both names globally.
Why did Google remove cultural holidays from its calendar?
Google removed cultural holidays like Black History Month to standardize calendars globally, focusing only on public holidays and national observances as per timeanddate.com.
How can I add cultural holidays back to my Google Calendar?
You can add cultural holidays by subscribing to a third-party calendar, importing events, or creating your own events in Google Calendar.
What was the reason behind the name change for Denali?
Google reverted Denali to Mount McKinley as part of a shift to align with executive orders and national standards.
How can I provide feedback to Google about calendar changes?
You can send feedback directly through the Google Calendar app, and all comments are reviewed for popular requests.
What did the Google spokesperson say about calendar standardization?
The spokesperson explained that the calendar was standardized to include only public holidays and national observances for a consistent user experience.
Are other mapping services like Apple Maps changing their names too?
Yes, Apple Maps is expected to reflect the name Gulf of America soon, following Google’s lead.
Summary
Recently, Google made significant changes to its maps and calendar features, aligning with directives from President Trump. The Gulf of Mexico is now referred to as the Gulf of America on Google Maps in the U.S., while the name Denali in Alaska has reverted to Mount McKinley. Additionally, cultural observances like Black History Month and Pride Month have been removed from Google Calendar, following a standardization effort to focus only on public holidays. Google encourages users to add personal holidays through third-party calendars or custom events, but many users are unhappy with these changes.
