Yes, Patriots' Day is an official state holiday in Massachusetts. It is observed annually on the third Monday in April to commemorate the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War, which occurred on April 19, 1775. The observance is also a legally recognized public holiday in Maine and Wisconsin.
Established in Massachusetts in 1894 by Governor Frederic T. Greenhalge, the holiday replaced the colonial-era Fast Day. Its designation as a public holiday means that state, county, and municipal offices, as well as public schools and many businesses, are closed. The day is marked by numerous historical reenactments, parades, and civic ceremonies, particularly in the towns of Lexington and Concord. The Boston Marathon, a world-renowned running event, has been held on this date since 1897, becoming a central and defining feature of the day's modern celebrations.
It is crucial to note that this is a state-level observance and not a federal holiday. Consequently, federal offices and services, such as the United States Postal Service, remain open and operational. The holiday's significance is deeply rooted in the history and identity of Massachusetts, serving as a day for both solemn historical remembrance and major cultural and athletic events that impact travel and business operations, primarily within the Greater Boston area.
