Patriots' Day is a state holiday in Massachusetts observed on the third Monday in April. This date was established by state law to create a three-day weekend. The holiday specifically commemorates the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which took place on April 19, 1775.
The observance was originally held on the fixed date of April 19 each year, starting in 1894. However, in 1969, Massachusetts state law was changed to move the official observance to the third Monday of the month. This change aligns with the federal Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Consequently, the date of the holiday varies annually but always falls between April 15 and April 21. It is a legal holiday in Massachusetts, as well as in Maine, leading to the closure of public schools, and state, county, and municipal offices.
As a result of this floating date, the most significant modern event associated with the holiday, the Boston Marathon, is also held on the third Monday in April. The day is marked by historical reenactments of the battles in Lexington and Concord, a morning Boston Red Sox baseball game at Fenway Park, and various other local celebrations that combine historical remembrance with civic events.
