Grammatically, the term functions as a noun phrase. The core word is the noun "holiday," which is modified by the adjective "local" and the proper noun "September 11" acting as an adjectival modifier. "Local" specifies the geographical scope of the observance, indicating it is not national, while "September 11" specifies the exact date. The phrase refers to a non-working day or a day of special observance on this date, officially recognized only within a particular sub-national jurisdiction such as a state, province, or city.
The specific meaning of such a holiday is entirely dependent on the location. For example, in Catalonia, Spain, September 11 is the Diada Nacional de Catalunya (National Day of Catalonia). It is a public holiday commemorating the 1714 Siege of Barcelona. In contrast, in the United States, September 11 is federally designated as Patriot Day, a National Day of Service and Remembrance. It is a day of observance to remember the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks, but it is not a federal public holiday where non-essential government and business functions cease.
Therefore, the practical application and interpretation of the term are context-specific. In one region, it signifies a celebratory or historical public holiday rooted in local identity. In another, it marks a solemn day of national remembrance that is observed but does not constitute a legal holiday with widespread closures. Understanding the phrase requires identifying the specific locality to determine whether it implies a day of rest and celebration or one of commemoration and service.
