The subject of the query, the proper noun "Patriots' Day," is classified as a "state holiday," a compound noun defining its official legal status. It is an official public holiday in Massachusetts and Maine, observed on the third Monday in April. The day commemorates the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which took place on April 19, 1775, and marked the start of the American Revolutionary War.
As a legal holiday established by state law, public schools, state and municipal government offices, and many private businesses are closed in Massachusetts and Maine. The observance is characterized by significant cultural and civic events, including historical reenactments at Lexington and Concord. The most widely known event associated with the day is the Boston Marathon, which has been held on Patriots' Day since 1897. Originally observed on the fixed date of April 19, Massachusetts moved the holiday to the third Monday in April in 1969. It is important to note that it is not a federal holiday and is therefore not officially observed by federal government agencies.
The designation of this day as a state holiday, rather than a federal one, highlights its unique regional significance. This official status gives the day a formal, legally recognized importance within the state, impacting public schedules, commerce, and civic life. The holiday serves as an official commemoration of a pivotal historical event that is deeply rooted in the identity and history of Massachusetts.
