Patriots' Day is a state holiday observed in Massachusetts and Maine on the third Monday of April. It commemorates the opening battles of the American Revolutionary War: the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which took place on April 19, 1775. The holiday honors the history and legacy of the first colonists who fought for American independence.
The observance is marked by a wide range of events, most notably historical reenactments of the battles on Lexington Green and at the Old North Bridge in Concord. The events of the preceding night, including the famous rides of Paul Revere and William Dawes to warn the colonial militia, are also commemorated. In modern times, the day is synonymous with two major sporting events: the Boston Marathon, which has been held annually on this day since 1897, and a traditionally scheduled morning home game for the Boston Red Sox baseball team at Fenway Park.
As a civic and cultural institution, the holiday uniquely blends solemn historical remembrance with large-scale community and athletic celebrations. For residents of the region, it signifies the start of spring and serves as a major public event that affects transportation and daily schedules, particularly along the Boston Marathon route. It functions as a living memorial, connecting the state's revolutionary past to its vibrant present through public pageantry and shared traditions.
