Patriots' Day is a real, state-sanctioned civic holiday observed on the third Monday of April in Massachusetts and Maine, where it is a public holiday. The day is also an official public school observance in Wisconsin and an optional, unpaid holiday in Connecticut. It commemorates the opening battles of the American Revolutionary Warspecifically the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the Siege of Bostonwhich occurred on April 19, 1775.
The holiday marks the historical events that initiated the armed conflict for American independence. Modern observances are deeply rooted in this history, featuring prominent battle reenactments in Lexington and Concord. The day is also culturally significant due to major associated events, most notably the running of the Boston Marathon, an international sporting event that has been held on the holiday since 1897. Additionally, a morning Boston Red Sox baseball game at Fenway Park is a long-standing tradition. Its status as a state, rather than a federal, holiday explains why it is not recognized nationwide.
The distinction between a state and a federal holiday is the primary reason for confusion regarding its authenticity. While not a national observance like Independence Day, it is an established legal holiday in the states where it is celebrated, resulting in the closure of state and local government offices, schools, and many private businesses. Therefore, its existence is a matter of regional jurisdiction, and for the residents of Massachusetts and Maine, it is a significant annual event combining historical remembrance with contemporary cultural traditions.
