Patriots' Day is a state holiday observed on the third Monday in April. It is officially celebrated in Massachusetts, Maine, and, since 2018, Connecticut. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which took place on April 19, 1775, and marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War.
Originally, the holiday was observed on the fixed date of April 19. However, in 1969, Massachusetts and Maine moved the observance to the third Monday of the month, a change that aligns with the practice of creating three-day weekends for public holidays. The day is associated with several significant events, most notably the Boston Marathon, which has been held on the holiday annually since 1897. Historical re-enactments of the battles and Paul Revere's ride are also central to the day's traditions in Massachusetts.
The key takeaway is that the specific date of the holiday varies each year, but the timing is consistently the third Monday of April. Its status as a regional holiday, rather than a federal one, explains why it is primarily recognized in New England. This holiday should not be confused with Patriot Day, which is a separate national observance held on September 11 to remember the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks.
