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| {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2020}} | |||
| {{about|all types of holidays observed in the United States|other uses}} | |||
| {{Short description|Holidays in the United States of America}} | |||
| {{Very long|date=August 2016}} | |||
| {{Other uses}} | |||
| {{pp-pc1}} | |||
| {{Infobox holiday | {{Infobox holiday | ||
| | image= |
| image=Fourth of July fireworks behind the Washington Monument, 1986.jpg | ||
| | caption={{Public holidays in the United States/caption}} | | caption={{Public holidays in the United States/caption}} | ||
| | holiday_name=Public holidays in the United States | | holiday_name=Public holidays in the United States | ||
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| | celebrations = | | celebrations = | ||
| | type = National | | type = National | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| ] | |||
| In the United States, ] are set by ], ], and ] and are often observed by closing government offices or giving government employees ]. The federal government does not require private businesses to close or offer paid time off, as is the case for most state and local governments, so employers determine which ] to observe. | |||
| ] in the ] are largely controlled by private sector employers, who employ approximately 62% of the total U.S. population who are given paid time off. A typical ] is generally 40 hours a week with a Saturday-Sunday ]. Public holidays with paid time off is generally defined to occur on a day that is within the employee's work week. When a holiday occurs on Saturday or Sunday, that holiday is shifted to either Friday or Monday. Most employers follow a holiday schedule similar to the ], with exceptions or additions. The federal holiday schedule mainly benefits employees of government and government regulated businesses. However, this sector only comprises 15% of the working population. At the discretion of the employer, other non-federal holidays such as ] and the ] are common additions to the list of paid holidays while ] and ] are common omissions. Besides paid holidays are festival and food holidays that also have wide acceptance based on sales of goods and services that are typically associated with that holiday. ] and ] are such examples of widely celebrated uncompensated holidays. | |||
| Several ] are widely observed by private businesses with paid time off. These include ], ], ], ], ], and ]. Businesses often close or grant paid time off for ], ], and the ], but none of these are federal holidays. Other federal holidays are less widely observed by businesses. Most federal holidays are celebrated on a Monday or Friday to create a ]. | |||
| ==History== | |||
| Public holidays had their origins from established federal holidays that were enacted by Congress. They were typically observed on days that have significance for various sectors of American society and are observed at all levels of society including government, the private sector, and are typically derived from the history, religion and the cultures of the U.S. demographics and have changed over time. Observances of holidays are most commonly observed with paid time off, however, many holiday celebrations are done with festivities without time off. Some are observed with community work depending on the meaning of the holiday. They are however not mandated by any government, agencies, whether it be federal, state, or local governments. There are no ] on which all businesses are closed by law. ] are only established for certain federally chartered and regulated businesses (such as federal banks), and for ] All other public holidays are created by the States; most states also allow local jurisdictions (cities, villages, etc.) to establish their own local holidays. As a result, holidays have not historically been governed at the federal level and federal law does not govern business opening. Some states restrict some business activities on some holidays.<ref>Massachusetts, for example, forbids most retailers from opening on Thanksgiving and Christmas: Attorney General's Office, "Sunday and Holiday Openings" </ref> Business closures are mandated on some holidays in some states for certain kinds of businesses by ]. For example, some businesses cannot open on ] in some New England states if the businesses operated on more than 5000 square feet of space. The most notable businesses to close on such occasions are car dealerships and establishments selling alcohol. | |||
| Christmas is the only ] that is a federal holiday. Some businesses allow ] employees to take paid time off for religious observances. | |||
| ==Overview== | |||
| {{As of|2012}}, there were eleven ], ten annual holidays and one ] holiday (]).<ref name="opm.gov">{{cite web|url=http://www.opm.gov/operating_status_schedules/fedhol/2012.asp |title=Federal Holidays |publisher=Opm.gov |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> Pursuant to the ] of 1968 (effective 1971), official holidays are observed on a Monday, except for ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>]</ref> | |||
| Other holidays, such as ] and ], are widely celebrated in the United States but rarely include paid time off.{{TOC limit|3}} | |||
| ] | |||
| ]]] | |||
| While all current federal holidays have also been made public holidays in all 50 states for federal organizations, each state is not bound to observe the holidays on the same dates as the federal holidays. Many states also have additional holidays that are not observed by the U.S. federal government.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0002069.html |title=State Holidays |publisher=Infoplease.com |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> Many businesses likewise observe certain holidays as well, which are also not mandated by any government agency. A list of "recommended diversity holidays" recognizes many cultures that range from Christianity to Islam, as well as ] where various ethnic holidays such as ], ], ], ], and ] are celebrated by individuals in the workplace, as a matter of best practice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diversitybestpractices.com/2014-diversity-holidays|title=2014 Diversity Holidays|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021212121/http://www.diversitybestpractices.com/2014-diversity-holidays|archivedate=2014-10-21|df=}}</ref> In light of recent race issues in the United States, many municipalities both at the city and state levels have begun celebrating ] and ] in addition to ] to embrace the mostly disenfranchised ] community in the form of festivals and parades if not done as a legal public holiday. ] and ] are two places where Malcolm X is honored with a legal holiday with offices closed whereas ] honored Rosa Parks on her birthday.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://governor.mo.gov/news/archive/rosa-parks-be-honored-missouri-feb-4th|title=Rosa Parks to be honored by Missouri on Feb 4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://chicagomonitor.com/2015/05/illinois-designates-may-19-as-malcolm-x-day/|title=Illinois designates May 19 as Malcolm X Day}}</ref> Today, the United States is the 85th ]. While the popularity of each public holiday cannot easily be measured, the holiday with the highest greeting card sales is Christmas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/us-news-blog/2012/dec/22/christmas-cards-holidays-us|title=Christmas may be on the cards, but is it the most popular American holiday?}}</ref> Major retail establishments such as malls, shopping centers and most retail stores close only on ] and ] and some on ] Sunday as well, but remain open on all other holidays (early closing on ] and ], and sometimes on other major holidays).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mallofamerica.com/shopping/hours |title=Hours |publisher=Mall of America |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> Virtually all companies observe and close on the major holidays (], ], ], ], ], and ]). Some non-retail business close on the day after Thanksgiving, while some (such as federal banks and post offices) are not allowed to close on the day after Thanksgiving. Some smaller businesses normally open on Sunday will close on Easter Sunday, if it is their experience they will have very few customers that day.<ref name="toolkit.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.toolkit.com/small_business_guide/sbg.aspx?nid=P05_4375 |title=Optional Time-Off Benefits You Can Give Your Employees | BizFilings Toolkit |publisher=Toolkit.com |date=2012-05-25 |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> | |||
| == Overview == | |||
| ==Holidays most commonly celebrated== | |||
| ], one of the symbols of Halloween]] | |||
| {{anchor|Common}} | |||
| There are no ]s on which the law requires all businesses to close. ] are only established for certain ] and regulated businesses, government contractors, and the city of ]. All other public holidays are created by the States. Most states allow local jurisdictions, cities, villages, etc., to establish local holidays. As a result, holidays have not historically been governed at the federal level, and federal law does not govern business openings. | |||
| ], one of the symbols of Halloween]] | |||
| {| class="wikitable" | |||
| |- style="background:#efefef;" | |||
| ! Rank !! Date !! Holiday !! % of Americans celebrating !! USD sales (in billions)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nrf.com/news/the-long-and-short-of-americas-consumer-holidays|title=Holiday Spending Totals in Billions, 2013-2014}}</ref> !! Music symbolic of holiday !! Remarks | |||
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| | 1 || December 25 (Fixed) || ] || 92%–96%<ref name=wash/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/12/21/5-facts-about-christmas-in-america/ |title=Five Facts About Christmas in America |last=Lipka |first=Michael |date=2015 |website=] |publisher= |access-date=November 30, 2016 |quote="About nine-in-ten Americans (92%) and nearly all Christians (96%) say they celebrate Christmas, according to a 2013 Pew Research Center survey."}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/113566/us-christmas-not-just-christians.aspx |title=In the U.S., Christmas Not Just for Christians |last=Newport |first=Frank |date=2008 |website=] |publisher= |access-date=November 20, 2016 |quote="Despite the fact that only a little more than 80% of Americans identify with a Christian faith, 93% of those interviewed in a recent USA Today/Gallup poll indicate that they celebrate Christmas."}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/20587/christmas-good-time-most-americans.aspx |title=Christmas a Good Time for Most Americans |last=Jones |first=Jeffrey M. |date=2005 |website=] |publisher= |access-date=November 30, 2016 |quote="The Dec. 16-18 poll finds that 96% of all U.S. adults celebrate Christmas, a percentage that has been consistent over the past decade."}}</ref> || $630.5 || Many ]s and ], including "]", "]", and "]" || Christmas celebrations are evidenced by decorations which give off light and exchanging of gifts between family members and friends. Most popular based on greeting card sales. About 6.5 billion cards per year or $8 billion annual sales.{{citation needed|date=November 2017}} Also known for having the second highest church attendance.<ref name=cpost/> Major symbols of this holiday are the Christmas tree and Christmas music. Christmas is the celebration of ]'s birth. | |||
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| | 2 || November 22–28 (Floating Thursday) || ] || 87%–90%<ref name=newspolls/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/2290/americans-celebrate-thanksgiving-special-regard-families.aspx |title=Americans Celebrate Thanksgiving With Special Regard for Families |last=Gillespie |first=Mark |date=2000 |website=] |publisher= |access-date=November 30, 2016 |quote="More than nine out of 10 Americans will celebrate the holiday with family and friends."}}</ref> || (part of ]) || Traditional songs include "]", "]", "]" || One sixth of all turkeys eaten annually happens around Thanksgiving.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infoplease.com/spot/tgturkeyfacts.html|title=Turkey Facts}}</ref> Holiday accounts for 46 million turkeys, compared with 22 million consumed on Christmas and 19 million on Easter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eatturkey.com/why-turkey/history|title=Turkey History & Trivia}}</ref> Reduced turkey prices usually occur around Thanksgiving.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rd.com/food/fun/10-grocery-sales-you-didnt-know-to-look-for-at-thanksgiving-christmas/|title=10 Grocery Sales You Didn't Know to Look for at Thanksgiving, Christmas}}</ref> | |||
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| | 3 || May 8–14 (Floating Sunday) || ] || 84%<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fundivo.com/stats/mothers-day-statistics/|title=Mother's Day Trends}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.sfgate.com/hottopics/2016/05/04/how-americans-celebrate-mothers-day-in-5-charts/ |title=How Americans Celebrate Mother's Day, in Five Charts |last=Lavingia |first=Christina |date=2016 |website=San Francisco Chronicle |publisher= |access-date=November 30, 2016 |quote="Nearly 16 percent of adults surveyed by Prosper Insights & Analytics don't expect to celebrate the holiday."}}</ref> || $19.9 || || Known for having the strongest restaurant sales, even compared with Valentine's Day.<ref name=nrn>{{cite web|url=http://nrn.com/latest-headlines/restaurants-expect-strong-mother-s-day|title= Restaurants expect strong Mother's Day}}</ref> It is also known for high church attendance after Easter and Christmas.<ref name=cpost/> | |||
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| | 4 || March 22 – April 25 (Floating Sunday) || ] || 80%–81%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/apr/3/easter-80-percent-americans-celebrate-it-spending-/ |title=80 Percent of Americans Celebrate Easter – and Spend $16.4 Billion on Peeps, Paas and Ham |last=Harper |first=Jennifer |date=2015 |website=The Washington Times |publisher= |access-date=November 30, 2016 |quote="80 percent of Americans will celebrate Easter."}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/221114/share-of-americans-celebrating-easter-this-year/ |title=Are You Celebrating Easter This Year? |last= |first= |date=2016 |website=Statista |publisher= |access-date=November 30, 2016 |quote="This year, 80.6 percent of respondents in the United States said they are planning to celebrate Easter."}}</ref> || $16.4 || Many ] || Highest church attendance happens on Easter.<ref name=cpost>{{cite web|url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/mothers-day-church-attendance-third-highest-after-easter-christmas-fathers-day-last-74832/|title=Mother's Day Church Attendance Third Highest After Easter, Christmas; Father's Day Last}}</ref> | |||
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| | 5 || July 4 (Fixed) || ] || 78%–79%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/4576/americans-celebrate-fourth-july.aspx |title=Americans Celebrate the Fourth of July |last=Carlson |first=Darren K. |date=2001 |website=] |publisher= |access-date=November 16, 2016 |quote="Nearly eight in 10 Americans (78%) say they will attend a picnic or barbecue, the most popular Fourth of July activity among those tested. Most Americans, 76%, will celebrate with family. Other common activities include displaying an American flag (66%) and attending fireworks displays (63%)."}}</ref> || $68.0<br />(Part of Back to School sales) || Many American patriotic songs, including "]", "]", and "]" || Holiday is best known for fireworks and barbecues. 45% of American celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks, accounting for about $675 million in fireworks sales.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://time.com/money/2955505/fireworks-costs-july-4/|title=What America Spends on Fireworks for July 4}}</ref> | |||
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| | 6 || June 15–21 (Floating Sunday) || ] || 75%<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2015/06/19/the-numbers-behind-fathers-day-spending-in-the-u-s-infographic/#a9eb60c69dd5 |title=The Numbers Behind Father's Day Spending in the U.S. |last=McCarthy |first=Niall |date=2015 |website=Forbes |publisher= |access-date=November 30, 2016 |quote="75.4 percent of Americans are planning to celebrate Father's Day."}}</ref> || $12.7 || || Holiday accounts for the highest sales of ties and neck wear annually, around $12.7 billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thestate.com/news/business/article24938749.html|title=Ties could be as popular a gift as ever this Father's Day}}</ref> | |||
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| | 7 || October 31 (Fixed) || ] || 64%–65%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/30/living/halloween-by-the-numbers/ |title=Halloween 2015 by the Numbers |last=Roberts |first=Amy |date=2015 |website=] |publisher= |access-date=November 30, 2016 |quote="64: Percent of Americans who plan to celebrate Halloween this year."}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marketingcharts.com/traditional/total-halloween-spending-set-to-dip-this-year-60635/ |title=Total Halloween Spending Set to Dip This Year |last= |first= |date=2015 |website=MarketingCharts |publisher= |access-date=November 30, 2016 |quote="Almost two-thirds (64%) of American adults plan to celebrate Halloween or participate in Halloween activities this year, reports the NRF in a recent study."}}</ref> || $6.9 || A few songs, including "]", "] and "]" || Halloween celebrations are evidenced by children knocking door to door asking for treats, and costumed adolescents playing tricks on various households. Most popular based on candy sales, amounting to $2.6 billion in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.candyindustry.com/articles/86975-nca-predicts-26b-in-halloween-candy-sales|title=NCA predicts $2.6B in Halloween candy sales}}</ref> Sales of $6.9 billion in 2015 includes candy, costumes, and pumpkin sales, all of which are directly attributed to this holiday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statista.com/topics/1727/halloween-in-the-us/|title=Halloween in the U.S.}}</ref> | |||
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| | 8 || February 14 (Fixed) || ] || 55%<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/data-mine/2015/02/11/valentines-day-spending-to-approach-19-billion |title=Valentine's Day Spending to Approach $19 Billion |last=Soergel |first=Andrew |date=2015 |website=] |publisher= |access-date=November 30, 2016 |quote="More than half (54.9 percent) of Americans at least 18 years old said they plan to celebrate Valentine's Day this year, though the percentage of those who recognize the holiday drops off after the age of 44, according to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation."}}</ref> || $18.9 || || Holiday accounts for 224 million roses grown for the holiday. 24% of American adults purchased flowers for Valentine's Day in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aboutflowers.com/flower-holidays-occasions-a-parties/flowers-for-valentines/valentines-day-statistics.html|title=Valentine's Day Floral Statistics|website=www.aboutflowers.com}}</ref> Holiday comes in second in terms of annual restaurant sales.<ref name=nrn/> | |||
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| | 9 || March 17 (Fixed) || ] || 51%<ref>{{cite web |url=https://wallethub.com/blog/st-patricks-day-statistics/10960/ |title=St. Patrick's Day 2016 by the Numbers |last=Kiernan |first=John S. |date=2016 |website=WalletHub |publisher= |access-date=November 30, 2016 |quote="51.2% of Americans plan to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in 2016."}}</ref> || $4.4 || ], such as "]" || | |||
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| | 10 || December 31 (Fixed) || ] || 37%–45%<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2012/12/26/in-survey-most-americans-not-celebrating-new-years-eve/#522d45282215 |title=In Survey, Most Americans Not Celebrating New Year's Eve |last=Rapoza |first=Kenneth |date=2012 |website=Forbes |publisher= |access-date=November 30, 2016 |quote="37 percent plan to stay up to welcome in 2013 while 23 percent say they will entertain at home."}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/poll-most-americans-won-t-party-or-go-out-new-year-s-eve-they-will-say-prayer |title=Poll: Most Americans Won't Party or Go Out on New Year's Eve, But They Will Say a Prayer |last=Mora |first=Edwin |date=2010 |website=CNS News |publisher= |access-date=November 30, 2016 |quote="The percentage of those who plan to pray (66 percent) on New Year's Eve is larger than the respective percentage of those who are going to drink (42 percent), attend a party (21 percent), and go out for dinner with friends or family (18 percent) to celebrate the new year, the survey found."}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/new-years-eve-numbers-984512 |title=New Years Eve by the Numbers |last=Johanson |first=Mark |date=2012 |website=International Business Times |publisher= |access-date=November 30, 2016 |quote="45: The percent of American adults that say they will make a New Year's resolution."}}</ref> || (Part of Christmas sales) || A few songs, including "]" || Known for being the most drunk holiday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1986906_1986905_1986889,00.html|title=Happy St. Patrick's Day: Top 10 Drunkest Holidays}}</ref> This is evidenced by the spike in sales around "the holidays", which usually happens between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://republicanherald.com/news/holidays-are-peak-time-for-alcohol-sales-1.1251616|title=Holidays are peak time for alcohol sales}}</ref> | |||
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| |} | |||
| Many states have additional holidays that the federal government does not observe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0002069.html |title=State Holidays |publisher=Infoplease.com |access-date=March 3, 2014}}</ref> Most prominent among these are holidays to celebrate ]. Since 2000, some city and state-level celebrations of ] and ] have been created, in addition to the federal ], to honor and recognize ] contributions to the United States. ] honors Rosa Parks on her birthday.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rosa Parks to be honored by Missouri on Feb 4th |url=https://governor.mo.gov/news/archive/rosa-parks-be-honored-missouri-feb-4th |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106114844/https://governor.mo.gov/news/archive/rosa-parks-be-honored-missouri-feb-4th |archive-date=January 6, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=May 20, 2015 |title=Illinois designates May 19 as Malcolm X Day |url=http://chicagomonitor.com/2015/05/illinois-designates-may-19-as-malcolm-x-day/}}</ref> | |||
| ==Holidays observed with paid time off== | |||
| {{anchor|PTO}} | |||
| The labor force in the United States comprises about 62% (as of 2014) of the general population.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm|title=Employment Situation Summary}}</ref> In the United States, 97% of the private sector businesses determine what days this sector of the population gets paid time off, according to a study by the ]. The following holidays are observed by the majority of the U.S. businesses with paid time off: | |||
| ] | |||
| Colorado became the first state to establish a paid state holiday honoring a woman in 2020 with the designation of the first Monday in October as ] Day.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Kelley |first=Debbie |date=2022-10-03 |title=Colorado's Mother Cabrini Day, Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day cause confusion |url=https://gazette.com/news/local/colorados-mother-cabrini-day-columbus-day-and-indigenous-peoples-day-cause-confusion/article_69078bde-436b-11ed-879d-4721ed6174c2.html |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Colorado Springs Gazette |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| * ] and ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shrm.org/research/surveyfindings/articles/pages/shrm-2015-holiday-schedules.aspx#sthash.WqqSF3U4.dpuf|title=SHRM: 2015 Holiday Schedules}}</ref> | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] and ] | |||
| * ] and ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ===Holiday listing as paid time off=== | |||
| Many businesses observe certain holidays, which are also not mandated by any government agency. Many workplaces celebrate religious observance as well as ethnic holidays, such as ], ], ], ], and ], as a matter of best practice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diversitybestpractices.com/2014-diversity-holidays|title=2014 Diversity Holidays|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021212121/http://www.diversitybestpractices.com/2014-diversity-holidays|archive-date=October 21, 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ] in ]. Pans on the top shelf hold hamburgers and hot dogs that were grilled earlier when the coals were hot. The lower grill is now being used to cook pork ribs and "]" slow, typical on a worker's paid holiday - see ].]] | |||
| This list of holidays is based off the official list of ] by Year from the U.S. Government. The holidays however are at the discretion of employers whose statistics are measured by the ]. Another list from the ] shows actual percentages of employers offering paid time off for each holiday. The term "major holiday" (bolded) coincides for those holidays that 90% or more of employers offered ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://time.com/money/3490919/columbus-day-who-has-to-work-why/|title=Bummed About Having to Work on Columbus Day? Read This}}</ref> | |||
| {| class="wikitable" | |||
| |- style="background:#efefef;" | |||
| ! Date !! *Official name !! Percentage of Americans celebrating !! **Percentage of businesses offering paid time off<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shrm.org/publications/hrnews/pages/paidholidaysin2011.aspx|title=Number of paid holidays unchanged}}</ref> !! Remarks | |||
| |- | |||
| | January 1 (fixed)|| nowrap | ''']'''<ref name=cornell>{{cite web|url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/6103 |title=5 U.S. Code § 6103 - Holidays | LII / Legal Information Institute |publisher=Law.cornell.edu |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> || 72%<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2012/12/26/in-survey-most-americans-not-celebrating-new-years-eve/|title=Survey: Most Americans not celebrating New Years Eve}}</ref> || 96% || Celebrates beginning of the ] year. Festivities include counting down to 12:00 midnight on the preceding night, ], often with fireworks display and party. The ] at ] in ] has become a national New Year's festivity. Traditional end of ] and holiday season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infoplease.com/spot/newyearcelebrations.html |title=New Year's Traditions |publisher=Infoplease.com |date=2004-12-16 |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> | |||
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| | January 15–21 (floating Monday) || ] || 26%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thekingcenter.org/making-king-holiday|title=Making of the King holiday}}</ref> | |||
| || 34–38% || Honors ], ] leader, who was actually born on January 15, 1929; combined with other holidays in several states. Some cities and municipalities hold parades; and more recently, the 1994 King Holiday and Service Act, which was passed to encourage Americans to transform the King Holiday into a day of citizen action volunteer service, has gained in popularity (sometimes referred to as a National Day of Service). | |||
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| | January 20 or 21 || ] || N/A || 0% || Celebrates the ], every 4 years. While this is a federal holiday, this is not a "public holiday". Only Washington, D.C.. observes this day besides the federal government.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hr.commerce.gov/Employees/Leave/DEV01_005944|title=US Department of Commerce: Federal, state, and local holidays}}</ref> | |||
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| | February 15–21 (floating Monday) || ] || 52%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ir.hhgregg.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=896153|title=hhgregg Celebrates President's Day with Deals Inspired by America's First Ladies|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222102039/http://ir.hhgregg.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=896153|archivedate=2015-12-22|df=}}</ref>|| 34–35%|| Washington's Birthday was first declared a federal holiday by an 1879 act of Congress. The ], shifted the date of the commemoration of ] from February 22 to the third Monday in February (between February 15 and 21, meaning the observed holiday never falls on Washington's actual birthday). Because of this, combined with the fact that President ]'s birthday falls on February 12, many people now refer to this holiday as "Presidents' Day" and consider it a day honoring all American presidents. However, neither the Uniform Holidays Act nor any subsequent law changed the name of the holiday from ] to Presidents' Day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/6103 |title=5 U.S. Code § 6103 - Holidays | LII / Legal Information Institute |publisher=.law.cornell.edu |accessdate=2017-02-20}}</ref> | |||
| |- | |||
| | May 25–31 (floating Monday) || ''']''' || 21%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/2866/americans-forgotten-memorial-days-purpose.aspx|title=Memorial Day}}</ref>|| 95%|| Honors the nation's war dead from the Civil War onwards; marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season (traditionally May 30, shifted by the Uniform Holidays Act 1968). | |||
| |- | |||
| While the popularity of each public holiday cannot easily be measured, the holiday with the highest ] sales is Christmas.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/us-news-blog/2012/dec/22/christmas-cards-holidays-us|title=Christmas may be on the cards, but is it the most popular American holiday?|newspaper=The Guardian|date=December 22, 2012|last1=Enten|first1=Harry J.}}</ref> Major retail establishments, such as ]s and centers, close only on ] and ], but remain open on all other holidays, with early closings on ] and ], and sometimes on other major holidays. In the face of a ] in the 2010s, retailers have increasingly been ] to extend ] and the ], however, the ] greatly limited this practice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mallofamerica.com/shopping/hours |title=Hours |publisher=Mall of America |access-date=March 3, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Black Friday shopping like we all know it is officially over because of COVID-19 |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/black-friday-shopping-like-we-all-know-it-is-officially-over-because-of-covid-19-173121320.html |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=finance.yahoo.com |date=September 10, 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| | July 4 (fixed)|| ''']''' || 79% || 97% || Celebrates the signing of the ] from British rule, also called the Fourth of July or simply "The Fourth". Fireworks celebration are held in many cities throughout the nation. Boston, Massachusetts is famous for its "Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular" with music and fireworks | |||
| |- | |||
| | September 1–7 (floating Monday) || ''']''' ||53%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dailycaller.com/2014/08/31/five-things-labor-unions-do-to-celebrate-labor-day/|title=Five Things Labor Unions Do To Celebrate Labor Day}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://dailycaller.com/2014/08/31/five-things-labor-unions-do-to-celebrate-labor-day/|title=Labor Day}}</ref> || 95%|| Celebrates the achievements of workers and the labor movement; marks the unofficial end of the summer season. | |||
| |- | |||
| | October 8–14 (floating Monday) || ] || 8%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/holidays/october_2014/should_we_still_celebrate_columbus_day|title=Should We Still Celebrate Columbus Day?}}</ref> | |||
| || 13–16%|| Honors ], the first European to land in mainland ] after ]. In Berkeley, CA this day is observed as Indigenous People's Day, in honor of the Native Americans who lived in the Americas long before Columbus "discovered" the area. | |||
| |- | |||
| | November 11 (fixed)|| ] || 43%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/holidays/november_2014/43_will_do_something_special_to_observe_veterans_day|title=43 percent will do something special to honor Veterans Day}}</ref> || 16–21%|| Honors all veterans of the ]. It is observed on November 11 to recall the end of World War I on that date in 1918 (major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour (]) of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the ] went into effect). | |||
| |- | |||
| | November 22–28 (floating Thursday)|| ''']''' || 87%<ref name=newspolls>{{cite web|url=http://www.newspolls.org/articles/19586|title=13 percent Americans don't plan to celebrate Thanksgiving.}}</ref> || 97% || Traditionally celebrates the giving of thanks for the autumn harvest. Traditionally includes the sharing of a ] ]. | |||
| |- | |||
| | December 25 (fixed)|| ''']''' || 90%–95%<ref name=wash>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/watercooler/2013/dec/23/what-christmas-wars-90-percent-all-americans-celeb/|title=Ever popular: 90 percent of all Americans celebrate Christmas}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/145367/christmas-strongly-religious-half-celebrate.aspx|title=Christmas Strongly Religious for Half in U.S. Who Celebrate It|publisher=Gallup, Inc.}}</ref> || 94%|| The most widely celebrated holiday of the Christian year, Christmas is observed as a commemoration of the birth of ]. | |||
| |} | |||
| ''* List of Federal Holidays by Year from the U.S. Government<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/|title=List of Federal Holidays by Year from the U.S.}}</ref> (see ]) | |||
| Virtually all large companies observe and close on the major holidays (], ], ], ], ], and ]). Some non-retail businesses close the day after Thanksgiving, while others, such as federal banks and post offices, are not allowed to close that day. Some smaller businesses normally open on Sundays will close on ] Sunday if they expect to have very few customers that day.<ref name="toolkit.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.toolkit.com/small_business_guide/sbg.aspx?nid=P05_4375 |title=Optional Time-Off Benefits You Can Give Your Employees | BizFilings Toolkit |publisher=Toolkit.com |date=May 25, 2012 |access-date=March 3, 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ''** Additional holidays referenced by the ]: ] 26%, ] 6%, ] 7%, Day before Thanksgiving 3–8%, ] 69–75%, Day before Christmas Eve 33%, ] 78–79%, Day after Christmas 40–64%, Day before New Years Eve 25–71% depending if it falls on a weekend, ] 71%, ] 3%, ] 1%, ] 1%, ] 1%, ] 1%, ] 1%, ] <1%, ] <1% | |||
| === Holiday business restrictions === | |||
| ===School holidays=== | |||
| Some states restrict certain business activities on some holidays.<ref>Massachusetts, for example, forbids most retailers from opening on Thanksgiving and Christmas: Attorney General's Office, "Sunday and Holiday Openings" {{cite web |title=Office of Attorney General Maura Healey |url=http://www.mass.gov/ago/doing-business-in-massachusetts/labor-laws-and-public-construction/wage-and-hour/sunday-and-holiday-openings.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830161041/http://www.mass.gov/ago/doing-business-in-massachusetts/labor-laws-and-public-construction/wage-and-hour/sunday-and-holiday-openings.html |archive-date=August 30, 2016 |access-date=October 13, 2014}}</ref> Business closures are mandated on a few holidays in some states for certain kinds of businesses by ]s. For example, businesses that operate on more than {{Convert|5,000|sqft|m2|abbr=out}} cannot open on ] in some ] states. The most notable businesses to close on such occasions are ]s and ]s. Some holidays are observed with ], depending on the meaning of the holiday. Service is not mandated by any government agencies, whether they be federal, state, or local. | |||
| {{Main article|School holidays in the United States}} | |||
| ] | |||
| An ] typically spans from early fall to early summer, with two or three months of ] marking the end of year. K-12 ] generally observe local, state, and federal holidays, plus additional days off around Thanksgiving, the period from before Christmas until after New Year's Day, a spring break (usually a week in April) and sometimes a winter break (a week in February or March). Two or three days per year are sometimes devoted to ] for teachers, and students have the day off. | |||
| == Federal holidays == | |||
| Most colleges and universities divide the school year into two ]s. The fall semester often begins the day after Labor Day in early September and runs until mid-December. The spring semester typically starts in the middle or end of January and runs until May. Winter and summer classes might be offered in January and May–August. Major federal, state, and local holidays are often observed, including the day after and usually before Thanksgiving. ] is usually a week in March or early April, and in college party culture traditionally involves a ]. | |||
| {{Main|Federal holidays in the United States}} | |||
| ] | |||
| The following federal holidays are observed by the majority of private businesses with paid time off: | |||
| * ] (January 1)<ref>{{cite web |date= |title=Upcoming Holidays and Observances in the United States |url=https://www.datetimeonline.com/holidays/usa/upcoming_holidays.php}}</ref> | |||
| * ] (May 25–31, floating Monday) | |||
| * ] (July 4) | |||
| * ] (September 1–7, floating Monday) | |||
| * ] (November 22–28, floating Thursday) | |||
| * ] (December 25) | |||
| Other federal holidays are less widely observed by businesses. These include: | |||
| Unscheduled ]s and emergency cancellations can also affect school calendars. | |||
| * ] (January 15–21, floating Monday) | |||
| * ] (February 15–21, floating Monday) | |||
| * ] (June 19) | |||
| * ] (October 8–14, floating Monday) | |||
| * ] (November 11) | |||
| Established in 2021, Juneteenth is the newest federal holiday. In its second year of federal observance, 30% of private employers offered paid time off.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ali |first=Shirin |date=2022-06-17 |title=Growing number of businesses are giving employees Juneteenth off |url=https://thehill.com/changing-america/respect/diversity-inclusion/3527688-growing-number-of-businesses-are-giving-employees-day-off-for-juneteenth/ |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=The Hill |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| When taking ] or ] schedules into account, the ] holiday on July{{nbsp}}4 is usually a scheduled holiday observance for which the summer program closes. | |||
| == Holidays with religious significance == | |||
| ===Government sector holidays: Federal, state, and local government=== | |||
| {{Main |
{{Main|Religion in the United States|Separation of church and state in the United States}} | ||
| Religious and cultural holidays in the United States are characterized by a diversity of religious beliefs and practices. However, the ] provides that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ...." and ] specifies that "] as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." As a result, various religious faiths have flourished, as well as perished, in the United States. In 2002, a majority of Americans reported that religion plays a "very important" role in their lives, a proportion unique among ]s.<ref name=pewreligion>{{cite web |title = Among Wealthy Nations U.S. Stands Alone in its Embrace of Religion | work= Pew Global Attitudes Project |url= http://pewglobal.org/reports/display.php?ReportID=167 |access-date= January 1, 2007| date= December 19, 2002 }}</ref> | |||
| The federal government sector labor force consisted of about 2,729,000 (as of 2014) of the total labor force of 150,539,900, which is about 1.8% of the total labor force or about 1.1% of the total population. In addition, state and local governments consist of another 19,134,000 bringing the U.S. total government sector employees to about 15% of the total labor force.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_table_201.htm|title=Employment by major industry sector}}</ref> This sector of the population is entitled to paid time off designated as ]s by ] in Title V of the ] ({{usc|5|6103}}). Both federal and state government employees generally observe the same federal holidays. | |||
| In 2012, the majority of Americans (73–80%) identified themselves as Christians and about 15–20% had no religious affiliation.<ref name=pew2012>{{cite web|url=http://www.pewforum.org/Unaffiliated/nones-on-the-rise.aspx |title="Nones" on the Rise |publisher=The Pew Forum |date=October 9, 2012 |access-date=December 29, 2012}}</ref> In the 2008 ], 76% of American adults population identified themselves as Christians, with 51% professing attendance at a variety of churches that could be considered Protestant or unaffiliated, and 25% professing Catholic beliefs.<ref name=uscensus2012>{{cite web |author=US Census Bureau |url=https://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/cats/population/religion.html |title=Table 75. Self-Described Religious Identification of Adult Population: 1990, 2001 and 2008, The methodology of the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) |publisher=US Census Bureau 2012 Statistical Abstract |date=September 30, 2011 |access-date=February 11, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225193720/http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/cats/population/religion.html |archive-date=December 25, 2007 }}</ref> The same survey said that other religions (including, for example, ], ], ], and ]) collectively made up about 4% of the adult population, another 15% of the adult population claimed no religious affiliation, and 5.2% said they did not know, or they refused to reply. In a 2012 survey by the Pew forum, 36 percent of Americans stated that they attended services nearly every week or more.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pewforum.org/Asian-Americans-A-Mosaic-of-Faiths-overview.aspx |title=The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life – Asian Americans: A Mosaic of Faiths |publisher=Pewforum.org |date=July 19, 2012 |access-date=December 29, 2012}}</ref> | |||
| ====Federally regulated agencies: Banks and financial institutions==== | |||
| U.S. banks generally observe the federal holidays because of their reliance on the U.S. Federal Reserve for certain activities such as ]s and ] (ACH) transactions.<ref name=honor>{{cite web|url=http://www.myhonorbank.com/149/tools-and-resources/bank-holidays|title=Honor Bank: Bank Holidays}}</ref> For example, ] observes all federal holidays except ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jpmorgan.com/tss/General/Bank_Holidays/1104848711495|title=JP Morgan Chase Bank Holidays}}</ref> while ] observes all of them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usbankhr.com/hr/pay/holiday.asp|title=US Bank HR Employee Holidays}}</ref> | |||
| === Christian holidays === | |||
| The ] also closely follows the federal holidays except for ]. However, the agency also has extra holidays on the day before ] and ]. | |||
| {{Main|Liturgical year}} | |||
| With 65% of adults in the U.S. identifying as Christian in 2019, many holidays from the liturgical calendar are observed by this segment of the population.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pewforum.org/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/|title=In U.S., Decline of Christianity Continues at Rapid Pace|access-date=March 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304174939/https://www.pewforum.org/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/|archive-date=March 4, 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> Many businesses, as well as federal, state, and local governments, are closed on ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://money.msn.com/saving-money-tips/post--heres-what-will-be-open-christmas-day|title=What will be open Christmas Day|access-date=February 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222234932/http://money.msn.com/saving-money-tips/post--heres-what-will-be-open-christmas-day|archive-date=February 22, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> A reference in the film '']'' shows a ] being the only establishment open on Christmas. | |||
| Some private businesses and certain other institutions are closed on ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/good-friday|title=Good Friday in United States|publisher=timeanddate.com|access-date=September 3, 2015}}</ref> The financial market and stock market is closed on Good Friday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.money-zine.com/Investing/Stocks/Stock-Market-Holidays/|title=Stock Market Holidays|publisher=money-zine.com|access-date=September 3, 2015}}</ref> Most retail stores remain open, although some might close early. Public schools and most universities are closed on Good Friday, either as a holiday of its own, or part of ]. The postal service operates, and banks regulated by the federal government do not close for Good Friday.<ref name="opm.gov">{{cite web |title=Federal Holidays |url=http://www.opm.gov/operating_status_schedules/fedhol/2012.asp |access-date=March 3, 2014 |publisher=Opm.gov}}</ref> | |||
| ====Legal holidays by states and political divisions of the United States==== | |||
| {{anchor|state}} | |||
| {{See also|:Category:State holidays in the United States|:Category:Public holidays in territories of the United States}} | |||
| :''Not to be confused with ]s | |||
| Many companies, including banks, malls, shopping centers, and most private retail stores that normally open on Sundays are closed on ].<ref name="toolkit.com" /> | |||
| In general, most state governments observe the same holidays that the federal government observes. However, while that is true for most states, every state includes and omits holidays to fit the culture relevant to its population. | |||
| === Hindu holidays === | |||
| <!-- This list is only intended to be a summary for which 4 or more states officially observe on their calendar. Do not include state holidays where fewer than 4 states observe. --> | |||
| ].]] | |||
| {| class="wikitable" | |||
| {{Main|List of Hindu festivals}} | |||
| |- style="background:#efefef;" | |||
| The Hindu holidays of ] and ] are celebrated in some parts of the United States, mostly by ] or peoples of ]n descent.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/25/diwali-hindu-festival-of-lights-america_n_1031492.html|title=Diwali Goes Mainstream|newspaper=Huffington Post|date=October 25, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sinha |first=Sanskrity |date=2013-11-04 |title=Diwali 2013: Hindu Festival of Lights Celebrated Around the World |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/diwali2013-india-usa-uk-festival-lights-dhanteras-519272 |website=International Business Times UK |language=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411093507/https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/diwali2013-india-usa-uk-festival-lights-dhanteras-519272 |archive-date= Apr 11, 2023 }}</ref> Holi, the "festival of colors" has inspired a ] musical based on this festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwfitness/article/Color-Me-Rad-5K-Celebrates-2-Million-Fans-with-New-Color-Blaster-20140213#.Uv-5-GaPL6U|title=Color Me Rad 5K Celebrates 2 Million Fans with New Color Blaster |website=BWWFitnessWorld |date=Feb 13, 2014 |access-date=February 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302070024/http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwfitness/article/Color-Me-Rad-5K-Celebrates-2-Million-Fans-with-New-Color-Blaster-20140213#.Uv-5-GaPL6U|archive-date=March 2, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> While not officially recognized in most of the United States, the New York City Council officially recognized these as official school holidays in New York City.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://baltic-review.com/2013/08/usa-hindus-laud-new-york-city-council-resolution-diwali-holiday-city-schools/|title=USA: Hindus laud New York City Council for resolution on Diwali holiday in City schools |website=Baltic Review |date=August 30, 2013 |url-status=dead|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20140218170957/http://baltic-review.com/2013/08/usa-hindus-laud-new-york-city-council-resolution-diwali-holiday-city-schools/|archive-date=February 18, 2014}}</ref> CNN reported that the Diwali holiday is shown in American pop culture through an episode of '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tv.com/shows/the-office/diwali-897498/|title=The Office: Diwali - Season 3, Episode 6 |website=TV.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20111221221327/http://www.tv.com/shows/the-office/diwali-897498/ |archive-date= Dec 21, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/25/travel/diwali-2014/index.html?hpt=hp_inthenews|title=6 things you should know about Diwali|website=] |date=November 11, 2015 }}</ref> | |||
| ! Holiday !! Number of U.S. states observed with government offices closed !! Remarks | |||
| |- | |||
| | ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />] || 50 || These holidays are unanimously observed by the state governments of all 50 states. | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] || 45 || Signed into law in 1983, but not observed by all states until 2000, with Utah officially observing as a paid state holiday. Five states observe this day using alternate name "Civil Rights Day" or holiday is combined to also honor ]. | |||
| |- | |||
| | ]|| 38<ref>{{cite web|url=http://geometrx.com/2012/02/presidents-day-or-washingtons-birthday-which-states-observe-which-holiday/|title=Presidents' Day or Washington's Birthday – Which States Observe Which Holiday}}</ref> || Alternatively observed separately as George Washington's or ]. | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] || 23<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/10/08/working-on-columbus-day-it-depends-on-where-you-live/|title=Working on Columbus Day? It depends on where you live}}</ref> || Fewer than half the states recognize Columbus Day. | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] || 18<ref name=infoplease/> || Observed by Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] || 12<ref name=infoplease>{{cite web|url=http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0002069.html|title=State holidays}}</ref>||Observed by Connecticut, Delaware, Guam, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, and Tennessee. | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] || 11 || Observed by Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] || 10 || Observed by Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] || 6<ref name=infoplease/><ref name=Texas /> || Observed by Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and the US Virgin Islands. | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] || 5<ref name=infoplease/> || Observed by Connecticut, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, and New York | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] || 4 || Observed by Kentucky, Michigan, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. | |||
| |} | |||
| <!-- This list is only intended to be a summary for which 4 or more states officially observe on their calendar. Do not include state holidays where fewer than 4 states observe. --> | |||
| === |
=== Jewish holidays === | ||
| {{Main|Hebrew calendar}} | |||
| {{anchor|Alabama}} | |||
| ]]] | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| The three most commonly celebrated Jewish holidays are ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday0.htm|title=Jewish Holidays}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=December 2024}} ] and ] in addition to ] and ] are recognized as an optional state level holiday in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/rosh-hashana|title=Rosh Hashanah}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tabletmag.com/holidays?gclid=CMzK-M6lrLwCFS7xOgodmmIAmg%7ctitle=jewish-holidays|title=Holidays – Tablet Magazine – Jewish News and Politics, Jewish Arts and Culture, Jewish Life and Religion|publisher=tabletmag.com|access-date=September 3, 2015}}</ref> All Jewish holidays start the night before, as that is when the Jewish day begins. | |||
| ] | |||
| * All ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.personnel.state.al.us/Content.aspx?Pg=48 |title=AL holidays |accessdate=2010-03-07 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://inform.alabama.gov/calendar.aspx|title=State of Alabama - Inform.Alabama.Gov - State Calendar|publisher=alabama.gov|accessdate=3 September 2015}}</ref> | |||
| * January 15–21 (floating Monday) – this federal holiday is renamed "]/] Birthday" | |||
| * February 15–21 (floating Monday) – this federal holiday is renamed "]/]" | |||
| * April 22–28 (floating Monday) – ] | |||
| * June 1–7 (floating Monday) – ] | |||
| * October 8–14 (floating Monday) – Renamed ] / ] / ] | |||
| === Islamic holidays === | |||
| ======Baldwin County, Alabama====== | |||
| {{Main|Islamic holidays}} | |||
| The major Islamic holidays of ], ], and ] have been recognized in the United States. Awareness of these holidays can be found in calendars published by major calendar manufacturers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infoplease.com/spot/islamicholidays.html|title=Major Islamic Holidays }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/eid-al-fitr|title=Eid al-Fitr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/eid-al-adha|title=Eid al-Adha}}</ref> According to ], schools in ] and ] (mainly ]) may begin to close in observance of all Muslim holidays.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2013/10/17/new-york-schoolscouldgetmuslimholidays.html|title=New York Schools Could Get Muslim Holidays}}</ref>{{when|date=June 2024}} | |||
| * February 3-March 9 (floating Tuesday using ]) - ] | |||
| == Holidays with other cultural or historical significance == | |||
| ======Mobile County, Alabama====== | |||
| * All Alabama state holidays | |||
| * February 3-March 9 (floating Tuesday using ]) - ] | |||
| === Drinking holidays === | |||
| ======Perry County, Alabama====== | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All Alabama state holidays | |||
| * November 8–14 (floating Monday) - ] | |||
| =====Alaska===== | |||
| {{anchor|Alaska}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.library.state.ak.us/akholidays.html |title=Alaska State Holidays |accessdate=2010-03-04 }}</ref> | |||
| * March 25–31 (floating Monday) - ] | |||
| * October 18 - ] | |||
| =====American Samoa===== | |||
| {{anchor|American Samoa}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] | |||
| * April 17 - Flag Day | |||
| * December 26 - Family Day | |||
| =====Arizona===== | |||
| {{anchor|Arizona}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ]<ref name="arizona">{{cite web |url=http://www.lib.az.us/links/holidays.aspx |title=ASLAPR - Helpful Links - About Arizona |accessdate=2011-01-18 |publisher=Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records |author=Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records|date=2010-12-30}}</ref> | |||
| * January 15–21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed "]". | |||
| * February 15–21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed "]". | |||
| =====Arkansas===== | |||
| {{anchor|Arkansas}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sosweb.state.ar.us/state_holiday_calendar.html |title=State Holidays in Arkansas |accessdate=2010-03-05 }}</ref> | |||
| * February 15–21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed "] and ]". | |||
| * December 24 - ] | |||
| =====California===== | |||
| {{anchor|California}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| The U.S. state of California has separate definitions of "state holidays" which are different from "legal holidays". | |||
| * All ] except ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dpa.ca.gov/personnel-policies/holidays.htm |title=State Holidays |publisher=Department of Personnel Administration |accessdate=2010-02-11 }}</ref> | |||
| * March 31 (fixed) - ] | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ======California education holidays====== | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All California state holidays (schools closed) | |||
| * January 23 - ] Day (schools open, but with related instructions) | |||
| * January 30 - ] Day of Civil Liberties (schools open, but with related instructions) | |||
| * February 6 - ] (schools open, but with related instructions) | |||
| * February 12 - ] (schools closed) | |||
| * February 15 - ] (schools open, but with related instructions) | |||
| * March 5 - death of ] (schools open, but with related instructions) | |||
| * March 7 - birthday of ] / ] (schools open, but with related instructions) | |||
| * March 30 - Vietnamese Veterans Day (schools open, but with related instructions) | |||
| * April 6 - California Poppy Day (schools open, but with related instructions) | |||
| * April 21 - ] Day (schools open, but with related instructions) | |||
| * May 8–14 (floating Wednesday) - Day of the Teacher (schools open, but with related instructions) | |||
| * May 22 - ] (schools open, but with related instructions) | |||
| * September 22–28 (floating Monday) - ] (schools closed) | |||
| * October 25 - ] Day (schools open, but with related instructions) | |||
| Lincoln's Birthday (February 12) was removed from California's education holiday calendar in 2009.<ref></ref> | |||
| ======Berkeley, California====== | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All California holidays except ] | |||
| * February 12 (fixed) - ] | |||
| * May 19 (fixed) - ] | |||
| * October 8–14 (floating Monday) - ] | |||
| ======San Francisco, California====== | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All California holidays except ] | |||
| * October 8–14 (floating Monday) - ] (added because the holiday was omitted by the California state government) | |||
| ======West Hollywood, California====== | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| ].]] | |||
| * All California holidays except ] and the ] | |||
| * May 22 (fixed) - ] | |||
| =====Colorado===== | |||
| {{anchor|Colorado}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ]<ref name="colorado">{{cite web |url=http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheader=application%2Fpdf&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1251606502218&ssbinary=true |title=Satellite |accessdate=2011-01-18 |publisher=Office of the Governor of Colorado |author=Office of the Governor of Colorado |format=PDF |year=2010}}</ref> | |||
| =====Connecticut===== | |||
| {{anchor|Connecticut}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ]<ref name="connecticut">{{cite web |url=http://www.ct.gov/dob/cwp/view.asp?a=2226&q=465152 |title=DOB: Year 2011 Legal Holidays in Connecticut |accessdate=2011-01-18 |publisher=Connecticut Department of Banking |author=Connecticut Department of Banking |year=2011}}</ref> | |||
| * February 12 - ] | |||
| * March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using ]) - ] | |||
| =====Delaware===== | |||
| {{anchor|Delaware}} | |||
| :''See also | |||
| * All ] except ] and ]<ref name="delaware">{{cite web |url=http://www.hrm.omb.delaware.gov/labor/holidays/2014.shtml |title=State of Delaware -Human Resource Management- 2014 Holidays |accessdate=2015-04-02 |publisher=Delaware Office of Management and Budget |author=Delaware Office of Management and Budget}}</ref> | |||
| * March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using ]) - ] | |||
| * November 2–8 (floating Tuesday) - ] <small>(in even-numbered years)</small> | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| =====District of Columbia===== | |||
| {{anchor|District of Columbia}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ]<ref name="dc">{{cite web |url=http://www.dchr.dc.gov/dcop/cwp/view,a,1220,q,644584.asp |title=Department of Human Resources: 2011 Holidays |accessdate=2011-01-18 |publisher=District of Columbia Department of Human Resources |author=District of Columbia Department of Human Resources}}</ref> | |||
| * January 20 - ] (every 4 years) | |||
| * April 16 - ] | |||
| =====Florida===== | |||
| {{anchor|Florida}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| Florida's laws separately defines "paid holidays" versus "legal holidays", which does not have any obligation to include as "paid holidays". | |||
| ] | |||
| * All ] except ] and ]<ref name="florida">{{cite web |url=http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0100-0199/0110/Sections/0110.117.html |title=The 2014 Florida Statutes |accessdate=2015-01-03 |publisher=Official Internet Site of the Florida Legislature |author=The Florida Legislature|year=2014}}</ref> | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| ======Florida legal holidays====== | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| Florida's laws separate the definitions between paid versus legal holidays. The following list shows only the legal holidays that were not defined as "paid holidays": | |||
| * All Florida state holidays | |||
| * January 18 - ] | |||
| * February 3-March 9 (floating Tuesday using ]) - ] / ] | |||
| * February 12 - ] | |||
| * February 15 - ] | |||
| * February 15–21 (floating Monday) - ] (reincluded because the holiday is not listed under the Florida government holidays) | |||
| * March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using ]) - ] | |||
| * April 2 - ] | |||
| * April 26 - ] | |||
| * June 3 - birthday of ] | |||
| * June 14 - ] | |||
| * October 8–14 (floating Monday) - renamed holiday as ] | |||
| * November 2–8 (floating Tuesday) - ] | |||
| ======Florida circuit courts====== | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All Florida state holidays | |||
| * February 15–21 (floating Monday) - ] (reincluded because the Florida state government omits this holiday) | |||
| * March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using ]) - ] | |||
| * September 5-October 5 (floating date) - ] | |||
| * September 14-October 14 (floating date) - ] | |||
| ======Miami-Dade, Florida====== | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All Florida state holidays | |||
| * February 15–21 (floating Monday) - ] (reincluded because the Florida state government excludes this date) | |||
| * October 8–14 (floating Monday) - ] (reincluded because the Florida state government excludes this date) | |||
| =====Georgia===== | |||
| {{anchor|Georgia}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ]<ref name="georgia">{{cite web |url=http://www.georgia.gov/00/channel_modifieddate/0,2096,4802_64437763,00.html |title=georgia.gov - State Holidays |accessdate=2011-01-18 |publisher=georgia.gov |author=State of Georgia}}</ref> | |||
| * April 24–30 (floating Monday) - ] | |||
| * December 24 - ] observed. If December 24 is a Wednesday, then this holiday is observed on Friday December 26. | |||
| =====Guam===== | |||
| {{anchor|Guam}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| {{Main article|Public holidays in Guam}} | |||
| * All ] | |||
| * March 7 - ] and ] Heritage Day | |||
| * July 21 - ] | |||
| * November 2 - ] | |||
| * December 8 - ] Day | |||
| =====Hawaii===== | |||
| {{anchor|Hawaii}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hawaii.gov/hrd/quicklinks/2007_2008%20STATE%20HOLIDAYS%20working%20copy.pdf |title=State Holidays of Hawaii |accessdate=2010-02-27 }}</ref> | |||
| * March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using ]) - ] | |||
| * March 26 - ] | |||
| * June 11 - ] | |||
| * August 15–21 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| * November 2–8 (floating Tuesday) - ] <small>(in even-numbered years)</small> | |||
| =====Idaho===== | |||
| {{anchor|Idaho}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ]<ref name="idaho">{{cite web |url=http://sto.idaho.gov/aboutouroffice/Holidays.aspx |title=Idaho State Treasurer's Office |accessdate=2011-01-18 |publisher=Idaho State Treasurer's Office |author=Idaho State Treasurer's Office |year=2011}}</ref> | |||
| * January 15–21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed "]-]"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title73/T73CH1SECT73-108.htm|title=Statutes|publisher=idaho.gov|accessdate=3 September 2015}}</ref> | |||
| =====Illinois===== | |||
| {{anchor|Illinois}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| ] since 1979 with city offices closed.]] | |||
| * All ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.il.us/CMS/2_servicese_per/holidays.htm |title=Holidays in Illinois |accessdate=2010-03-04 }}</ref> | |||
| * February 12 - ] | |||
| * November 2–8 (floating Tuesday) - ] <small>(in even-numbered years)</small> | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| ======Chicago, Illinois====== | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All Illinois state holidays except the Day after Thanksgiving | |||
| * March 1–7 (floating Monday) - ] | |||
| =====Indiana===== | |||
| {{anchor|Indiana}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ]<ref name="indiana">{{cite web |url=http://www.in.gov/spd/2555.htm |title=SPD: State Holidays |accessdate=2011-01-18 |publisher=Indiana State Personnel Department |author=Indiana State Personnel Department}}</ref> | |||
| * March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using ]) - ] | |||
| * May 1–7 (floating Monday) - ] | |||
| * November 2–8 (floating Monday) - ] | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] to occur on ] | |||
| * December 24 - ] to occur on ] | |||
| =====Iowa===== | |||
| {{anchor|Iowa}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ] and ]<ref name="iowa">{{cite web |url=http://search.legis.state.ia.us/nxt/gateway.dll/ic/1/13/14/15/41/42?f=templates&fn=default.htm |title=Iowa Legislature - Advanced Search |accessdate=2011-01-18 |publisher=The Iowa Legislature |author=The Iowa Legislature |year=2011}}</ref> | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| =====Kansas===== | |||
| {{anchor|Kansas}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ] and ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.da.ks.gov/ps/subject/holiday.htm |title=State Holidays |publisher=Department of Administration |accessdate=2010-03-05 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kansas.gov/employee/documents/2016kpers457calendar.pdf|title=Holiday and Pay Calendar}}</ref> | |||
| =====Kentucky===== | |||
| {{anchor|Kentucky}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ] and ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://personnel.ky.gov/stemp/holiday.htm |title=Kentucky |accessdate=2010-03-04 }}</ref> | |||
| * March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using ]) - ]<small>(half holiday)</small> | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| * December 24 - ] | |||
| * December 31 - ] | |||
| =====Louisiana===== | |||
| {{anchor|Louisiana}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| ] | |||
| * All ] except ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://doa.louisiana.gov/osp/aboutus/holidays.htm |title=Louisiana state holidays |accessdate=2010-03-07 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201220849/http://doa.louisiana.gov/osp/aboutus/holidays.htm |archivedate=2014-02-01 |df= }}</ref> | |||
| * February 3-March 9 (floating Tuesday using ]) - ] | |||
| * March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using ]) - ] | |||
| * November 2–8 (floating Tuesday) - ] <small>(in even-numbered years)</small> | |||
| ======Louisiana courts====== | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All Louisiana state holidays | |||
| * November 1 - ] | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| * December 24 - ] | |||
| * December 31 - ] | |||
| ======Baton Rouge, Louisiana====== | |||
| * All Louisiana state holidays | |||
| * January 20 - ] (every four years) | |||
| =====Maine===== | |||
| {{anchor|Maine}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] | |||
| * April 15–21 (floating Monday) - ] | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| =====Maryland===== | |||
| {{anchor|Maryland}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] | |||
| * November 2–8 (floating Tuesday) - ] (every 4 years) | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| =====Massachusetts===== | |||
| {{anchor|Massachusetts}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] | |||
| * April 15–21 (floating Monday) - ] | |||
| ======Suffolk County, Massachusetts====== | |||
| * All Massachusetts state holidays | |||
| * March 17 - ] | |||
| * June 17 - ] | |||
| =====Michigan===== | |||
| {{anchor|Michigan}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except Columbus Day | |||
| * November 2–8 (floating Tuesday) - ] (even numbered years only) | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| * December 24 - ] (if Christmas Eve falls on Sunday as it does in 2017, December 22 is the observed holiday) | |||
| * December 31 - ] (if New Year's Eve falls on Sunday as it does in 2017, December 29 is the observed holiday) | |||
| =====Minnesota===== | |||
| {{anchor|Minnesota}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ] | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| =====Mississippi===== | |||
| {{anchor|Mississippi}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sos.ms.gov/Education-Publications/Pages/State-Holidays.aspx|title=State Holidays|publisher=ms.gov|accessdate=3 September 2015}}</ref> | |||
| * January 15–21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed "] and ]'s Birthdays" | |||
| * April 24–30 (floating Monday) - ] | |||
| * May 25–31 (floating Monday) - renamed ] / ] Birthday | |||
| * November 11 - renamed ] | |||
| =====Missouri===== | |||
| {{anchor|Missouri}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] | |||
| * February 12 - ] | |||
| * May 8 - ] | |||
| =====Montana===== | |||
| {{anchor|Montana}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] | |||
| * November 2–8 (floating Tuesday) - ] | |||
| =====Nebraska===== | |||
| {{anchor|Nebraska}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| ] | |||
| * All ] | |||
| * April 24–30 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| =====Nevada===== | |||
| {{anchor|Nevada}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ]. | |||
| * October 25–31 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| =====New Hampshire===== | |||
| {{anchor|New Hampshire}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| ] with its official national federal name.]] | |||
| * All ] (offices remain open on ])<ref></ref> | |||
| * January 15–21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed ] | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - the day after Thanksgiving | |||
| =====New Jersey===== | |||
| {{anchor|New Jersey}} | |||
| {{main article|State holidays in New Jersey}} | |||
| :''See also : | |||
| * All ] | |||
| * March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using ]) - ] | |||
| * November 2–8 (floating Tuesday) - ] | |||
| =====New Mexico===== | |||
| {{anchor|New Mexico}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ] | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - holiday in lieu of ] | |||
| =====New York===== | |||
| {{anchor|New York}} | |||
| {{main article|New York State government holidays}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cs.state.ny.us/attendance_leave/2011_legal_holidays.cfm |title=2011 Calendar of Legal Holidays for State Employees in the Classified Service of the Executive Branch |publisher=New York State Civil Service |accessdate=2011-06-17 }}</ref> | |||
| * February 12 - ] | |||
| * November 2–8 (floating Tuesday) - ] | |||
| ======New York City Public Schools====== | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All New York State holidays and most ] | |||
| * January 21-February 20 (floating on full moon date) - ] | |||
| * February - Mid-Winter Recess (includes ] and ]) | |||
| * March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using ]) - ] | |||
| * April - ] | |||
| * July–August - ] (includes ]) | |||
| * September 5-October 5 (floating date) - ] | |||
| * September 14-October 14 (floating date) - ] | |||
| * December - Winter Recess (includes ] and ]) | |||
| * ] (date can vary year-round) - Schools are closed if the holiday falls within the academic year | |||
| ** For the 2016-2017 year, Eid al-Adha was observed September 12, 2016 | |||
| =====North Carolina===== | |||
| {{anchor|North Carolina}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ] and ], plus the following four state holidays:<ref>http://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits/leave/holidays</ref> | |||
| * March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using ]) - ] | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| * December 22–28 (floating days) - ] and ] (three days sequentially; adjusted if any falls on a weekend) | |||
| =====North Dakota===== | |||
| {{anchor|North Dakota}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ] | |||
| =====Northern Mariana Islands===== | |||
| {{anchor|Northern Mariana Islands}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] | |||
| * March 24 - Commonwealth Covenant Day | |||
| * March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using ]) - ] | |||
| * November 4 - Citizenship Day | |||
| * December 9 - Constitution Day | |||
| =====Ohio===== | |||
| {{anchor|Ohio}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] | |||
| =====Oklahoma===== | |||
| {{anchor|Oklahoma}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ] | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| * December 26 - ] | |||
| =====Oregon===== | |||
| {{anchor|Oregon}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ] | |||
| =====Pennsylvania===== | |||
| {{anchor|Pennsylvania}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] | |||
| * March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using ]) - ] | |||
| * November 2–8 (floating Tuesday) - ] | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pa1call.org/pa811/Public/POCS_Content/About_Us/FAQS/State_Holidays.aspx|title=Pennsylvania 811}}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| =====Puerto Rico===== | |||
| {{anchor|Puerto Rico}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| {{main article|Public holidays in Puerto Rico}} | |||
| * All ] | |||
| * January 6 - Three Kings Day/Epiphany | |||
| * January 8–14 (floating Monday) - ] Birthday | |||
| * March 22 - ] | |||
| * March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using ]) - ] | |||
| * March 22-April 25 (floating Sunday using ]) - ] | |||
| * April 15–21 (floating Monday) - ] Birthday | |||
| * May 8–14 (floating Sunday) - ] | |||
| * June 15–21 (floating Sunday) - ] | |||
| * July 15–21 (floating Monday) - ] Birthday | |||
| * July 25 - Constitution of Puerto Rico Day | |||
| * July 27 - ] Birthday | |||
| * November 19 - Discovery of Puerto Rico Day | |||
| =====Rhode Island===== | |||
| {{anchor|Rhode Island}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ] | |||
| * August 8–14 (floating Monday) - ] | |||
| * November 2–8 (floating Tuesday) - ] | |||
| =====South Carolina===== | |||
| {{anchor|South Carolina}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ] | |||
| * May 10 - ] | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| * December 24 - ] | |||
| * December 26 - ] | |||
| =====South Dakota===== | |||
| {{anchor|South Dakota}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ] | |||
| * October 8–14 (floating Monday) - ] | |||
| =====Tennessee===== | |||
| {{anchor|Tennessee}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ] | |||
| * March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using ]) - ] | |||
| * December 24 - ] | |||
| =====Texas===== | |||
| {{anchor|Texas}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ]. | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| * December 24 - ] | |||
| * December 26 - ] | |||
| ======Texas partial staffing holidays====== | |||
| Texas law designates that the state businesses be "partially staffed" on the following holidays. These holidays can be replaced with an optional holiday per the state employee's choice, but will give up one of these in lieu of the optional holiday. | |||
| * January 19 - ] | |||
| * March 2 - ] | |||
| * April 21 - ] | |||
| * June 19 - ] | |||
| * August 27 - ] | |||
| ======Texas optional holidays====== | |||
| Texas law allows a state employee to replace a partial staffing holiday with one of the following holidays. On these holidays, the state agency is generally required to stay open with minimum staff. | |||
| * March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using ]) - ] | |||
| * March 31 - ] (added in section 662.013, was not one of the original "optional holidays" declared in 1999) | |||
| * September 5-October 5 (floating date) - ] | |||
| * September 14-October 14 (floating date) - ] | |||
| =====U.S. Virgin Islands===== | |||
| {{anchor|U.S. Virgin Islands}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| {{Main article|Public holidays in the United States Virgin Islands}} | |||
| * All ] | |||
| * January 6 - Three Kings Day | |||
| * March 31 - Transfer Day | |||
| * March 19-April 22 (floating Thursday using ]) - ] | |||
| * March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using ]) - ] | |||
| * March 23-April 26 (floating Monday using ]) - ] | |||
| * July 3 - ] | |||
| * October 8–14 (floating Monday) - ] - ]-] Friendship Day | |||
| * November 1 - D. Hamilton Jackson Day | |||
| * December 26 - ] | |||
| =====Utah===== | |||
| {{anchor|Utah}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] | |||
| * July 24 - ] | |||
| =====Vermont===== | |||
| {{anchor|Vermont}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ] | |||
| * March 1–7 (floating Tuesday) - ] | |||
| * August 16 - ] | |||
| =====Virginia===== | |||
| {{anchor|Virginia}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] | |||
| * January 12–18 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| * February 15–21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed "George Washington Day". | |||
| * November 21–27 (floating Wednesday) - day before ], commencing at noon | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| * December 24 - ] | |||
| =====Wake Island===== | |||
| {{anchor|Wake island}} | |||
| * All ] except ] | |||
| * All Friday holidays are celebrated on Saturday and all Monday holidays are celebrated on Tuesday to account for the time zone difference with the states. Weekday holidays such as ] are celebrated as they fall.<ref>''Wake Island Biosecurity Management Plan'', U.S. Air Force, 611th Air Support Group and 611th Civil Engineer Squadron, October 2012, Edition 3.0, http://eaest.com/pdf/06Component_Plan_D_Biosecurity_Mngt_Plan.pdf</ref> | |||
| * March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using ]) - ] | |||
| * March 22-April 25 (floating Sunday using ]) - ] (listed to account for park closing, which normally opens Sundays) | |||
| * April 13–15 - ] Festival<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jber.af.mil/News/News-Articles/Article/1157218/air-force-members-celebrate-thai-new-year-and-water-festival-at-wake-island/ |title=Air Force members celebrate Thai New Year and Water Festival at Wake Island |author=Captain Anastasia Schmidt |publisher=11th Air Force Public Affairs |date=April 19, 2017 |website=Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson |access-date=April 20, 2017}}</ref> | |||
| * December 31 - ] | |||
| =====Washington===== | |||
| {{anchor|Washington}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ] | |||
| =====West Virginia===== | |||
| {{anchor|West Virginia}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] | |||
| * June 20 - ] | |||
| * November 2–8 (floating Tuesday) - ] / ] (even numbered years only), | |||
| * November 23–29 (floating Friday) - ] | |||
| * December 24 - ] (See note below) | |||
| * December 31 - ] (See note below) | |||
| * Note: Christmas Eve and New Years Eve are half day holidays and are not shifted if they fall on Saturday or Sunday. | |||
| =====Wisconsin===== | |||
| {{anchor|Wisconsin}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ] except ] and ] | |||
| * December 24 - ] | |||
| * December 31 - ] | |||
| * January 1 - ] | |||
| ======Wisconsin Public School Observance Days====== | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| Wisconsin's public schools are obligated to observe the 21 days designated by Wisconsin Statute section 118.02 on the designated day unless the day falls on Saturday or Sunday, in which case would move the observance to either the preceding Friday or following Monday. The statutes require the public schools to include instruction relating to the holidays. In this list of holidays, all schools remain open. | |||
| * January 15 - ] | |||
| * February 12 - ] | |||
| * February 15 - ] | |||
| * February 22 - ] | |||
| * March 4 - ] | |||
| * March 17 - ] | |||
| * April 9 - ] Remembrance Day | |||
| * April 13 - ] Day | |||
| * April 19 - ] | |||
| * April 22 - ] | |||
| * April 29 - ] | |||
| * June 14 - ] Day | |||
| * September 16 - ] Day | |||
| * September 16 - ] Day | |||
| * September 17 - ] | |||
| * September 18 - ] Recognition Day | |||
| * September 23 - ] | |||
| * September 28 - ] Day | |||
| * October 9 - ] | |||
| * October 12 - ] | |||
| * November 11 - ] | |||
| =====Wyoming===== | |||
| {{anchor|Wyoming}} | |||
| :''See also: | |||
| * All ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://soswy.state.wy.us/Holiday.aspx |title=State Holidays |accessdate=2010-03-05 }}</ref> | |||
| * January 15–21 (floating Monday) - renamed ] | |||
| =====Federal holidays at the state level===== | |||
| While most federal holidays are observed at the state level, some of these holidays are observed with different names, are observed on different days, or completely not observed in some states of the United States. {{Note|Martin}} a. For example, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is known officially as ''Martin Luther King, Jr./Civil Rights Day'' in Arizona,<ref name="Arizona">{{cite web|url=http://www.hr.az.gov/HR_Professional/HRP_State_Service_Holidays.asp|title=State Service Holiday|work=State of Arizona|publisher=Arizona Department of Administration Human Resources Division|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> and New Hampshire,<ref name="New Hampshire">{{cite web|url=http://www.admin.state.nh.us/hr/documents/Holidays%20Year%202012.pdf|title=Holidays for Calendar Year 2012|format=PDF|work=State of New Hampshire|publisher=New Hampshire Department of Administrative Services Division of Personnel|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> ''Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert E. Lee's Birthdays'' in Arkansas,<ref name="Arkansas">{{cite web|url=http://www.sos.arkansas.gov/aboutOffice/Pages/stateHolidayCalendar.aspx|title=State Holiday Calendar|work=State of Arkansas|publisher=Arkansas Secretary of State|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> ''Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'' in Florida,<ref name="Florida">{{cite web | url=http://www.dms.myflorida.com/workforce_operations/human_resource_management/for_state_hr_practitioners/2014_state_holidays | title=2014 State Holidays | work=State of Florida | publisher=] |year=2014 | accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> and Maryland,<ref name="Maryland">{{cite web|url=http://dbm.maryland.gov/employees/Pages/StateHolidays2012.aspx|title=State Holidays for the Year 2012|date=June 2011|work=State of Maryland|publisher=Maryland Department of Budget and Management|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> ''Martin Luther King Jr. / Idaho Human Rights Day'' in Idaho,<ref name="Idaho">{{cite web|url=http://www.sos.idaho.gov/general/Holidays.htm|title=State Holiday|work=State of Idaho|publisher=Idaho Secretary of State|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> and ''Martin Luther King's and Robert E. Lee's Birthdays'' in Mississippi.<ref name="Mississippi">{{cite web|url=http://www.sos.ms.gov/education_and_publications_holidays.aspx|title=State Holidays in Mississippi|publisher=Mississippi Secretary of State|accessdate=January 16, 2012|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625101840/http://www.sos.ms.gov/education_and_publications_holidays.aspx|archivedate=June 25, 2014|df=}}</ref> {{Note|Washington}} b. Washington's Birthday is known officially as ''President's Day'' in Alaska,<ref name="Alaska">{{cite web | url=http://doa.alaska.gov/pdfs/calendar14-holiday.pdf | title=2014 State Holiday Calendar | work=State of Alaska | publisher=Alaska Department of Administration Division of Finance | date=6 June 2013 | accessdate=22 July 2014 | format=PDF | deadurl=yes | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820201051/http://doa.alaska.gov/pdfs/calendar14-holiday.pdf | archivedate=20 August 2014 | df= }}</ref> California,<ref name="California">{{cite web | url=http://www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/Pages/state-holidays.aspx | title=2014 State Holidays | publisher=State of California | date=29 April 2014 | accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> Hawaii,<ref name="Hawaii">{{cite web|url=http://hawaii.gov/hrd/quicklinks/2011_%202012_State%20Holidays.pdf|title=Holidays to be Observed by the Hawaii State Government|date=January 5, 2011|format=PDF|work=State of Hawai'i|publisher=Hawaii Department of Human Resources Development|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> Idaho,<ref name="Idaho"/> Maryland,<ref name="Maryland"/> Nebraska,<ref name="Nebraska">{{cite web|url=http://www.das.state.ne.us/personnel/holidayschedule.htm|title=Holiday Schedule|work=State of Nebraska|publisher=Nebraska Department of Administrative Services Personnel Division|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> New Hampshire,<ref name="New Hampshire"/> Tennessee,<ref name="Tennessee">{{cite web|url=http://www.tn.gov/state-holidays.html|title=Official State Holidays|publisher=State of Tennessee|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> Washington,<ref name="Washington">{{cite web|url=http://dor.wa.gov/content/contactus/localoffices/con_hldy.aspx|title=State holiday schedule|work=State of Washington|publisher=Washington State Department of Revenue, however contrary to this reference, Washington law RCW 1.16.050 establishes usage as Presidents' Day|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> West Virginia,<ref name="West Virginia">{{cite web|url=http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/Holidays.asp|title=WV State Holidays|work=West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau for Public Health Health Statistics Center|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> and Wyoming,<ref name="Wyoming">{{cite web|url=http://soswy.state.wy.us/Holiday.aspx|title=Official State Holidays|work=State of Wyoming|publisher=Wyoming Secretary of State|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> ''Washington-Lincoln Day'' in Colorado (CRS 24-11-101),<ref name="Colorado">{{cite web|url=http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/colorado/?app=00075&view=full&interface=1&docinfo=off&searchtype=get&search=C.R.S.+24-11-101|title=Colorado Revised Statute 24-11-101 Legal holidays - effect|publisher=via LexisNexis|accessdate=February 18, 2014}}</ref> Ohio,<ref name="Ohio">{{cite web|url=http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/gp1.14|title=Ohio Revised Code 1.14|publisher=State of Ohio|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> ''Lincoln/Washington/Presidents' Day'' in Arizona,<ref name="Arizona"/> ''George Washington's Birthday and Daisy Gatson Bates Day'' in Arkansas,<ref name="Arkansas"/> ''Presidents' Day'' in Hawaii,<ref name="Hawaii"/> Massachusetts,<ref name="Massachusetts">{{cite web|url=http://www.mass.gov/abcc/pdf/2012holidaysobserved12-21-11.pdf|title=Calendar Year 2012 Legal Holidays and Dates of Observance|work=Commonwealth of Massachusetts|publisher=Massachusetts Department of the State Treasurer Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> New Mexico,<ref name="New Mexico">{{cite web|url=http://www.nmsto.gov/AboutTheTreasurersOffice/OfficialStateHolidays|title=Official State Holidays|publisher=New Mexico State Treasurer's Office|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> North Dakota,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nd.gov/tax/misc/state-holidays.html|title=State Holidays, Office of State Tax Commissioner, Tax Department, North Dakota|publisher=nd.gov|accessdate=3 September 2015}}</ref> Oklahoma,<ref name="Oklahoma">{{cite web|url=http://ok.gov/opm/HR_and_Employee_Services/Holidays.html|title=Holidays for State Employees|work=State of Oklahoma|publisher=Oklahoma Office of Personnel Management|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> South Dakota,<ref name="South Dakota">{{cite web|url=http://dlr.sd.gov/aboutus/aboutus_office_closure_schedule.aspx|title=Schedule of Office Closures for State-recognized holidays|work=State of South Dakota|publisher=South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> Texas,<ref name="Texas">{{cite web|url=https://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ref/abouttx/holidays.html|title=Official Texas State Holidays|work=State of Texas|publisher=Texas State Library and Archives Commission|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> and Vermont,<ref name="Vermont">{{cite web|url=http://humanresources.vermont.gov/about/holiday_schedule|title=State Holiday Schedule|work=State of Vermont|publisher=Vermont Agency of Administration Department of Human Resources|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> ''Washington's Birthday/President's Day'' in Maine,<ref name="Maine">{{cite web|url=http://www.maine.gov/bhr/employee_center/holiday.htm|title=2012 Holiday Schedule|work=State of Maine|publisher=Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services Bureau of Human Resources|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> ''Presidents Day'' in Michigan,<ref name="Michigan">{{cite web|url=http://www.michigan.gov/som/0,1607,7-192-29938-90605--,00.html|title=Official Holidays|publisher=State of Michigan|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> Minnesota,<ref name="Minnesota">{{cite web|url=http://www.mncourts.gov/?page=3778|title=Court Holidays|publisher=Minnesota Judicial Branch|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> Nevada,<ref name="Nevada">{{cite web|url=http://dop.nv.gov/holidays.html|title=Holidays|date=February 19, 2008|work=State of Nevada|publisher=Nevada Department of Personnel|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> New Jersey,<ref name="New Jersey">{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.gov/nj/about/facts/holidays/|title=State Holidays|publisher=State of New Jersey|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> and Oregon,<ref name="Oregon">{{cite web|url=https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/lawsstatutes/2013ors187.html|title=Chapter 187 – Holidays; Standard of Time; Commemorations|work=State of Oregon|publisher=Oregon Legislative Website|accessdate=October 13, 2013}}</ref> ''Lincoln's and Washington's Birthday'' in Montana,<ref name="Montana">{{cite web|url=http://hr.mt.gov/content/hrpp/docs/Policies/2012HolidaySchedule|title=Holidays Observed 2012|format=PDF|work=State of Montana|publisher=Montana State Human Resources Division|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> ''Washington and Lincoln Day'' in Utah,<ref name="Utah">{{cite web|url=http://le.utah.gov/~code/TITLE63G/htm/63G01_030100.htm|title=Legal holidays – Personal preference day – Governor authorized to declare additional days.|work=State of Utah|publisher=Utah State Legislature|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> and ''George Washington Day'' in Virginia.<ref name="Virginia">{{cite web|url=http://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/payandholidaycalendar.html|title=Pay and Holiday Calendar|year=2011|work=Commonwealth of Virginia|publisher=Virginia Department of Human Resource Management|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> {{Note|Minnesota}} The day after Thanksgiving is observed in lieu of Columbus Day in Minnesota.<ref name="Minnesota"/> {{Note|New Hampshire}} Columbus Day is listed as a state holiday in New Hampshire although state offices remain open.<ref name="New Hampshire"/> {{Note|Wisconsin}} President's Day, Good Friday (11am-3pm), Juneteenth Day (June 19), Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, Partisan Primary Election Day, and General Election Day are listed as a state holiday in Wisconsin although state offices remain open.<ref name="Wisconsin">{{cite web|url=http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/jobopps/BENEFITS.HTM|title=Benefits Available to State of Wisconsin Employees|work=State of Wisconsin|publisher=Wisconsin Department of Health Services|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Wisconsin Statute">{{cite web|url=http://docs.legis.wi.gov/statutes/statutes/995/20|title=Wisconsin State Statute 995.20 Legal Holidays|work=State of Wisconsin|publisher=Wisconsin State Legislature|accessdate=December 24, 2013}}</ref> | |||
| =====Legal holidays observed nationwide===== | |||
| * January 1 – ] | |||
| * May 25–31 (floating Monday) – ] | |||
| ** Known officially as ''National Memorial Day'' in Alabama,<ref name="Alabama">{{cite web|url=http://personnel.alabama.gov/Content.aspx?Pg=48|title=Official State Holidays|work=State of Alabama|publisher=Alabama State Personnel Department|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
| ** and ''Memorial Day / Decoration Day'' in Idaho.<ref name="Idaho"/> | |||
| ** Observed with ], and known officially as ''National Memorial Day / Jefferson Davis' Birthday'', in Mississippi.<ref name="Mississippi"/> | |||
| * July 4 – ] | |||
| * September 1–7 (floating Monday) – ] | |||
| * November 11 – ] | |||
| ** Known officially as ''Armistice Day'' in Mississippi.<ref name="Mississippi"/> | |||
| * November 22–28 (floating Thursday) – ] | |||
| * December 25 – ] | |||
| ==Holidays with religious, cultural or historical significance== | |||
| {{Main article|Religion in the United States|Separation of church and state in the United States}} | |||
| ] | |||
| The religious and cultural holidays in the United States is characterized by a diversity of religious beliefs and practices. However, the ] provides that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ...." and ] specifies that "] as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." As a result, various religious faiths have flourished, as well as perished, in the United States. A majority of Americans report that religion plays a "very important" role in their lives, a proportion unique among ]s.<ref name=pewreligion>{{cite web |title = Among Wealthy Nations U.S. Stands Alone in its Embrace of Religion | work= Pew Global Attitudes Project |url= http://pewglobal.org/reports/display.php?ReportID=167 |accessdate= 2007-01-01}}</ref> | |||
| The majority of Americans (73–80%) identify themselves as Christians and about 15–20% have no religious affiliation.<ref name=pew2012>{{cite web|url=http://www.pewforum.org/Unaffiliated/nones-on-the-rise.aspx |title="Nones" on the Rise |publisher=The Pew Forum |date=2012-10-09 |accessdate=2012-12-29}}</ref> According to the ] (2008) 76% of the American adult population identified themselves as Christians, with 51% professing attendance at a variety of churches that could be considered Protestant or unaffiliated, and 25% professing Catholic beliefs.<ref name=uscensus2012>{{cite web |author=US Census Bureau |url=https://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/cats/population/religion.html |title=Table 75. Self-Described Religious Identification of Adult Population: 1990, 2001 and 2008, The methodology of the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) |publisher=US Census Bureau 2012 Statistical Abstract |date=September 30, 2011 |access-date=February 11, 2012}}</ref> The same survey says that other religions (including, for example, ], ], ], and ]) collectively make up about 4% of the adult population, another 15% of the adult population claim no religious affiliation, and 5.2% said they did not know, or they refused to reply. According to a 2012 survey by the Pew forum, 36 percent of Americans state that they attend services nearly every week or more.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pewforum.org/Asian-Americans-A-Mosaic-of-Faiths-overview.aspx |title=The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life – Asian Americans: A Mosaic of Faiths |publisher=Pewforum.org |date=2012-07-19 |accessdate=2012-12-29}}</ref> | |||
| ===Confederate States of America=== | |||
| The following memorialize the historic ] from the ]: | |||
| * ] is a public holiday observed by the U.S. states of Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, Louisiana{{citation needed|date=September 2017|reason=SPLC states not state observed in Florida, Kentucky, nor Louisiana}} and Texas and an unofficially observed holiday in some other states. It is often in late April to align with the final surrender of the last Confederate Army. Texas observes ]. | |||
| * ] has been declared at least once in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Virginia as well as by various cities, usually in April to augment Confederate Memorial Day. | |||
| * ] (on or around Lee's Jan. 19 birthday) is observed in Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida.{{citation needed|date=September 2017|reason=SPLC states not state observed in Florida}} | |||
| * ] combined the observance of Robert E. Lee Day with ] in 1985.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/arkansas-ends-robert-e-lee-martin-luther-king-jr-holiday-n736976|title=Arkansas Ends Robert E. Lee-Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday|last=|first=|date=March 22, 2017|website=NBC News|access-date=April 19, 2017}}</ref> In 2017, it passed a law removing Lee's name from the January holiday and instead establishing a state memorial day on the second Saturday of October in honor of Lee.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.politico.com/story/2017/03/arkansas-robert-e-lee-martin-luther-king-holiday-236190|title=Arkansas lawmakers vote to remove Robert E. Lee from holiday honoring MLK|agency=Associated Press|date=March 17, 2017|work=Politico|access-date=April 19, 2017}}</ref> | |||
| * ] is a holiday celebrated in Virginia for the birthdays of Robert E. Lee (Jan 19) and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson (Jan 21) The original 1889 holiday celebrated Lee's birthday until ]'s name was added to the holiday in 1904. The holiday is currently observed on the Friday before ]. | |||
| ===Drinking holidays=== | |||
| {{See also|Drinking culture}} | {{See also|Drinking culture}} | ||
| ] at the Oktoberfest in Cincinnati]] | ] at the Oktoberfest in Cincinnati]] | ||
| According to the National Institutes of Health, about 86% of the |
According to the National Institutes of Health, about 86% of the population over 18 drinks alcohol recreationally or socially.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-facts-and-statistics|title=Alcohol facts and statistics}}</ref> In the United States, the holidays that are considered the most "festive" are generally regarded as some of the "most drunken holidays". Celebrations usually revolve around barbecues and beer. Although many of these holidays lack any official status, they are generally observed by the drinking culture for the fact that these holidays revolve around drinking.<ref name="Time-drunkest">{{cite magazine|url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1986906_1986905_1986891,00.html|title=Top 10 Drunkest Holidays|magazine=Time|date=March 17, 2011}}</ref> | ||
| One measurement of the popularity of these holidays is the amount of alcohol purchased for the occasion.<ref name="Time-drunkest" /> One survey names ] as the holiday on which the most alcohol is consumed based on sales.<ref name="Time-drunkest" /> While many holidays are listed, some are generally notable for their drinking requirement while others are known for abstinence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.chron.com/entertainment/restaurants-bars/article/Ranking-America-s-drinking-holidays-6241454.php|title=Ranking America's drinking holidays|date=May 4, 2015}}</ref> | |||
| {{Clear}} | |||
| {| class="wikitable" | |||
| |- style="background:#efefef;" | |||
| ! Date !! Name !! Remarks | |||
| |- | |||
| | February 1–7 (floating Sunday) || ]|| Usually served at a private party while watching the Super Bowl. | |||
| |- | |||
| | February 3-March 9 (floating Tuesday using ]) || ]|| Any alcohol. | |||
| |- | |||
| | March 17 || ]|| Usually celebrated with green ]. | |||
| |- | |||
| | April 1–7 || ]|| Ale or lager.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.askmen.com/fine_living/wine_dine_archive_250/286_six-beers-for-mlbs-opening-day.html|title=Six Beers For MLB's Opening Day}}</ref> | |||
| |- | |||
| | May 5 || ] || Usually celebrated with a Mexican alcohol like tequila or Margarita. | |||
| |- | |||
| | July 4 || ] || Typically served while eating hot dogs and hamburgers. | |||
| |- | |||
| | October 1–7 || ] || Usually German beer. | |||
| |- | |||
| | October 31 || ] || Usually served at Halloween parties. | |||
| |- | |||
| | December 31 || ] || Traditionally with champagne and is considered the "most drunk" of all American holidays. More alcohol is consumed on this holiday than any other day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://channels.isp.netscape.com/whatsnew/package.jsp?name=fte/5drinkingdays/5drinkingdays|title=The 5 Most Popular Drinking Days}}</ref> | |||
| |- | |||
| |} | |||
| ===African American holidays=== | === African American holidays === | ||
| {{Main |
{{Main|African-American culture}} | ||
| ], and others]] | ], and others]] | ||
| Some holidays in the United States celebrate or recognize the struggle of African-Americans for ] from ] and ]. Two holidays are celebrated as Federal holidays: | |||
| African Americans make up about 12% of the U.S. population. While some customs have come from abroad, many of the customs were developed inside the United States. ], for example, is a custom has greatly influenced American culture originating from the "turbulent 60's" when race relations in the United States was at its lowest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://racerelations.about.com/od/historyofracerelations/a/Celebratekwanzaa.htm|title=Celebrating the Kwanzaa Holiday and Understanding its Impact on Race Relations}}</ref> Most of the newer holidays revolve around a particular civil rights activist and have recently gained attention from city and state level governments. At the federal level, only ] was honored. | |||
| * ], observed on the Monday falling on or between January 15–21, commemorates the birthday of ], a significant leader of the Civil Rights Movement. The holiday was established federally in 1983 and first officially celebrated in 1986; efforts to create the holiday faced strong opposition and some southern states paired the new holiday with a holiday honoring the ] | |||
| {{Clear}} | |||
| * ], observed on June 19, commemorates the announcement of the ] of ] in Texas in June 1865, and more generally the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. The name is a ] of ''June'' and ''nineteenth''<ref>{{cite news |date=June 22, 2011 |title=Juneteenth Celebrated in Coachella |work=Black Voice News |url=http://www.blackvoicenews.com/news/46366-juneteenth-celebrated-in-coachella.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122071819/http://www.blackvoicenews.com/news/46366-juneteenth-celebrated-in-coachella.html |archive-date=January 22, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Juneteenth |url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juneteenth |access-date=May 30, 2013 |encyclopedia=Merriam Webster Dictionary}}</ref> and has been a ] since 2021. | |||
| {| class="wikitable" | |||
| |- style="background:#efefef;" | |||
| ! Date !! Name<ref>{{cite web|url=https://omnigraphics.com/shop/african-american-holidays-festivals-and-celebrations/#description|title=African-American Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations}}</ref>!! Remarks | |||
| |- | |||
| |December 26-January 1 || ] || Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held in the United States and in other nations of the Western ] in the Americas. The celebration honors African heritage in ], and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving.<ref name="Why Kwanzaa">{{cite web|url=http://www.africanholocaust.net/news_ah/kwanzaa.html|publisher="]"|title=Why Kwanzaa Video}}</ref> Kwanzaa has seven core principles (''Nguzo Saba''). It was created by ], and was first celebrated in 1966–67. | |||
| |- | |||
| | January 15–21 (floating Monday) || ] || Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is the only ] marking the birthday of an African American. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around King's birthday, January 15. | |||
| |- | |||
| | February 1–29 || ] || Also known as the "African American History Month" which was set aside as an observance of important leaders of the African diaspora. | |||
| |- | |||
| |February 4 or December 1 || ] || Currently observed in the states of ], ], and ] to honor the late civil rights leader ]. Rosa Parks Day was created by the California State Legislature and first celebrated February 4, 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/99-00/bill/asm/ab_0101-0150/acr_116_bill_20000204_chaptered.html|title=ACR 116 Assembly Concurrent Resolution - CHAPTERED|publisher=ca.gov|accessdate=3 September 2015}}</ref> The holiday was first designated in the U.S. state of ] championed by Joyce Beatty, advocate who helped Ohio's legislation pass to honor the late leader.<ref>{{citation |url=http://outreach.osu.edu/rp.php |title=Ohio's Rosa Parks Day Placed into National Congressional Record |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117085546/http://outreach.osu.edu/rp.php |archivedate=2011-11-17 |df= }}</ref> In 2015, ] has declared Rosa Parks Day a legal holiday. | |||
| |- | |||
| | March 10 || ] || Commemorates anti-slavery activist ] for her accomplishments. Occurs two days after ]. | |||
| |- | |||
| | April 16 (DC)|| ] || Currently observed in Washington, D.C., ], ] (as ]), ], and the U.S. Virgin Islands, in observance of the ]. It is also observed in other areas in regard to the abolition of ] or other forms of ]. | |||
| |- | |||
| |May 19 || ] || Currently observed in ], and ], this holiday honors ] as a civil rights leader as a legal holiday with offices closed. Various municipalities such as ], ], and ] have festivals commemorating the civil rights leader. | |||
| |- | |||
| | June 19 || ] || Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the announcement of the ] of ] in Texas in June 1865, and more generally the emancipation of ] slaves throughout the Confederate South. Celebrated on June 19, the term is a ] of ''June'' and ''nineteenth''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blackvoicenews.com/news/46366-juneteenth-celebrated-in-coachella.html|title=Juneteenth Celebrated in Coachella|date=June 22, 2011|work=Black Voice News|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122071819/http://www.blackvoicenews.com/news/46366-juneteenth-celebrated-in-coachella.html|archivedate=January 22, 2012|df=}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juneteenth|title=Juneteenth|work=Merriam Webster Dictionary|accessdate=2013-05-30}}</ref> and is recognized as a state holiday or special day of observance in most states. | |||
| |- | |||
| | June 8–14 (floating Sunday) || ] || Celebrated as the "Odunde Festival" as a one-day festival and mostly a ] catered to African-American interests and the ]. It is derived from the tradition of the ] of ] in celebration of the new year. It is centered at the intersection of Grays Ferry Avenue and South Street in the U.S. city of ], ]. | |||
| |- | |||
| |} | |||
| Some states and cities have additional holidays honoring African-Americans: | |||
| ===Christian holidays=== | |||
| * ], observed in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands on various days based on when enslaved people were emancipated in those jurisdictions | |||
| ] depiction, 1868]] | |||
| * ], observed in New York and in some parts of Maryland on March 10 | |||
| {{Main article|Liturgical year}} | |||
| * ], observed in Illinois and Berkeley, California, on May 19; also celebrated in cities such as Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. as an unofficial holiday | |||
| With 73% of the U.S. population identifying themselves as Christian, many holidays from the liturgical calendar are observed by this segment of the population. With 94% of businesses including federal, state, and local governments closing on Christmas, arguably the most significant holiday of the Christian religion, many stores are also closed on ], but with a relatively small exception. For example, convenience stores operating on less than 5,000 square feet of space such as ] and ] can remain open.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://money.msn.com/saving-money-tips/post--heres-what-will-be-open-christmas-day|title=What will be open Christmas Day}}</ref> A reference in ] shows a ] being the only establishment open on Christmas. | |||
| * ], observed in Missouri on February 4, in California and Michigan on the following Monday, and in Ohio on December 1 | |||
| A significant African-American cultural celebration is ], observed from December 26 to January 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://racerelations.about.com/od/historyofracerelations/a/Celebratekwanzaa.htm|title=Celebrating the Kwanzaa Holiday and Understanding its Impact on Race Relations}}</ref> Created by ] in 1966, the holiday honors African heritage in ].<ref name="Why Kwanzaa">{{cite web |title=Why Kwanzaa Video |url=http://www.africanholocaust.net/news_ah/kwanzaa.html |work=]}}</ref> | |||
| Some private businesses and certain other institutions are closed on Good Friday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/good-friday|title=Good Friday in United States|publisher=timeanddate.com|accessdate=3 September 2015}}</ref> The financial market and stock market is closed on Good Friday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.money-zine.com/Investing/Stocks/Stock-Market-Holidays/|title=Stock Market Holidays|publisher=money-zine.com|accessdate=3 September 2015}}</ref> Most retail stores remain open although some might close early. Public schools and most universities are closed on Good Friday, either as a holiday of its own, or part of spring break. The postal service operates, and banks regulated by the federal government do not close for Good Friday.<ref name="opm.gov"/> | |||
| === Confederate holidays === | |||
| Many companies, including banks, malls, shopping centers and most private retail stores that normally open on Sundays are closed on ].<ref name="toolkit.com"/> | |||
| Some states celebrate holidays honoring the ] that seceded from the United States. Many of these state holidays were created in the early twentieth century, fifty years after the end of the ], as part of the myth of the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCullar |first=Emily |date=2020-07-03 |title=Why Texas Still Celebrates Confederate Heroes Day |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/texas-confederate-heroes-day-abolish/ |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=Texas Monthly |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| * ] is observed in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, Louisiana{{citation needed|date=September 2017|reason=SPLC states, not state observed in Florida, Kentucky, nor Louisiana}} and Texas on various days. | |||
| * ] (on or around Lee's Jan 19 birthday) is still observed in Alabama and Mississippi combined with ], the only remaining states to do so.<ref>{{cite news |last=Little |first=Becky |date=January 13, 2017 |title=The Controversial History of Martin Luther King Day |work=] |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/martin-luther-king-jr-day-robert-e-lee-birthday-holiday |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516225851/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/martin-luther-king-jr-day-robert-e-lee-birthday-holiday |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 16, 2021 |access-date=January 17, 2022}}</ref> It is officially recognized in Florida, but is not widely observed there.<ref name="Mettler">{{cite news |last=Mettler |first=Katie |date=January 19, 2016 |title=Today in Florida, it's Robert E. Lee Day |work=] |url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/today-in-florida-its-robert-e-lee-day/2261887/ |access-date=August 22, 2018}}</ref> ] combined the observance of Robert E. Lee Day with ] in 1985.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 22, 2017 |title=Arkansas Ends Robert E. Lee-Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/arkansas-ends-robert-e-lee-martin-luther-king-jr-holiday-n736976 |access-date=April 19, 2017 |website=NBC News}}</ref> In 2017, the state passed a law removing Lee's name from the January holiday and instead establishing a state memorial day on the second Saturday of October in honor of Lee.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 17, 2017 |title=Arkansas lawmakers vote to remove Robert E. Lee from holiday honoring MLK |work=Politico |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.politico.com/story/2017/03/arkansas-robert-e-lee-martin-luther-king-holiday-236190 |access-date=April 19, 2017}}</ref> | |||
| * ] has been declared at least once in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Virginia as well as by various cities, usually in April to augment Confederate Memorial Day. | |||
| === Other traditional and informal holidays === | |||
| {| class="wikitable" | |||
| ]]] | |||
| |- style="background:#efefef;" | |||
| In addition to the federal/national holidays, many religious, ethnic, and other traditional holidays populate the calendar, as well as lighter celebrations. These are rarely observed by businesses as holidays;<ref name="toolkit.com" /> indeed, many are viewed as opportunities for commercial promotion. Because of this commercialization, some critics apply the deprecatory term '']'' to such days, after the ] ] company. | |||
| ! Date !! Name !! Remarks | |||
| * ], February 2 | |||
| |- | |||
| * ], February 14 | |||
| |January 6 || ] || Epiphany (from Greek epiphaneia, "manifestation"), falls on the 12th day after Christmas. It commemorates the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, as represented by the ], the ], and the miracle of the wine at the ]. One of the three major Christian festivals, along with Christmas and Easter. Epiphany originally marked the beginning of the carnival season preceding ], and the evening preceding it is known as ]. | |||
| * ], March 17 | |||
| |- | |||
| * ], April 1 | |||
| |January 7 || ] || January 7th is the ] equivalent of December 25 on the ] still observed by the Russian and other ]es. | |||
| * ], April 15 | |||
| |- | |||
| * ], April 22, varies | |||
| | February 3-March 9 (floating Tuesday using ]) || ] and ] || A festive season (]) leading up to ] or ]. Closes with ] (40 days before ], not counting Sundays), which starts the penitential season of ] in the ] calendar. | |||
| * ], April 24–30, floating Friday | |||
| |- | |||
| * ], May 1 | |||
| | February 14 || ] || St. Valentine's Day, or simply Valentine's Day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine, and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD. Modern traditional celebration of love and romance, including the exchange of cards, ], flowers, and other gifts. | |||
| * ], May 5 | |||
| |- | |||
| * ], May 8–14, floating Sunday | |||
| | March 15-April 18 (floating Sunday using ]) | |||
| * ], June 14 | |||
| || ] || Celebration to commemorate the entry of ] into Jerusalem. | |||
| * ], June 27 | |||
| |- | |||
| * ], June 15–21, floating Sunday | |||
| | March 17 || ] || A holiday honoring ] that celebrates ] culture. Primary activity is simply the wearing of green clothing ("wearing o' the green"), although drinking beer dyed green is also popular. Big parades in some cities, such as in ], where there is also a tradition of dyeing the ] green. | |||
| * ], July 24 | |||
| |- | |||
| * ], August 26 | |||
| | March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using ]) || ] || Friday of Holy Week, when Western Christians commemorate the ] and death of ]. Good Friday is a holiday in some individual counties and municipalities, as well as a state holiday in ],<ref name="ct.gov">{{cite web|author=Department of Information Technology |url=http://www.ct.gov/ctportal/cwp/view.asp?a=843&q=246434 |title=About Connecticut |publisher=CT.gov |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> ],<ref name="delawarepersonnel.com">{{cite web|url=http://delawarepersonnel.com/labor/holidays/2012.shtml |title=Delaware - Office of Management and Budget - State of Delaware Holidays |publisher=Delawarepersonnel.com |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> ],<ref name="law2.onecle.com">{{cite web |url=http://law2.onecle.com/florida/commercial-relations/683.01.html |title=Florida Laws: FL Statutes - Title XXXIX Commercial Relations Section 683.01 Legal holidays. - Florida Attorney Resources - Florida Laws |publisher=Law2.onecle.com |date=2013-05-31 |accessdate=2014-03-03 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202113002/http://law2.onecle.com/florida/commercial-relations/683.01.html |archivedate=2014-02-02 |df= }}</ref> ],<ref name="miraclesalad.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.miraclesalad.com/webtools/holidays.php |title=Hawaii State Holidays for 2014 |publisher=Miraclesalad.com |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> ],<ref name="in.gov">{{cite web|url=http://www.in.gov/sos/2369.htm |title=Secretary of State: 2011 Indiana State Holidays |publisher=In.gov |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> ],<ref name="personnel.ky.gov"> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070418095903/http://personnel.ky.gov/stemp/holiday.htm |date=April 18, 2007 }}</ref> ],<ref name="doa.louisiana.gov">{{cite web |author=Sandra G. Gillen, CPPB |url=http://doa.louisiana.gov/osp/aboutus/holidays.htm |title=2014 State Holidays Calendar Observed by OSP |publisher=Doa.louisiana.gov |accessdate=2014-03-03 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201220849/http://doa.louisiana.gov/osp/aboutus/holidays.htm |archivedate=2014-02-01 |df= }}</ref> ],<ref name="nj.gov">{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.gov/nj/about/facts/holidays/ |title=The Official Web Site for The State of New Jersey | State Holidays |publisher=Nj.gov |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> ],<ref name="ic.nc.gov">{{cite web|url=http://www.ic.nc.gov/ncic/pages/holiday.htm |title=N.C. State Government Holiday Schedule for 2013 and 2014 |publisher=Ic.nc.gov |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> ],<ref name="theholidayschedule.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.theholidayschedule.com/north-dakota-state-holidays.html |title=North Dakota State Holidays 2014 |publisher=The Holiday Schedule |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> ]<ref name="tn.gov">{{cite web|url=http://www.tn.gov/state-holidays.html |title=Official State Holidays |publisher=TN.gov |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> and ].<ref name="ReferenceA"/> State and local government offices and courts are closed, as well as state-chartered banks and in these jurisdictions. Federal banks and post offices that are located in buildings that close for Good Friday and Easter will also be closed. Good Friday is also a holiday in U.S. territories of ],<ref name="qppstudio.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.qppstudio.net/publicholidays2012/guam.htm|title=Guam Public Holidays 2012 (Oceania)|publisher=qppstudio.net|accessdate=3 September 2015}}</ref> ]<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite web|url=http://www.qppstudio.net/publicholidays2012/virgin_islands__u_s_.htm|title=US Virgin Islands Public Holidays 2012 (Americas/Caribbean)|publisher=qppstudio.net|accessdate=3 September 2015}}</ref> and ].<ref name="topuertorico.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.topuertorico.org/reference/holi.shtml|title=Public Holidays in Puerto Rico in 2015|publisher=topuertorico.org|accessdate=3 September 2015}}</ref> Many public and private schools, colleges, universities and private-sector businesses; and the New York Stock Exchange and financial markets are closed on Good Friday. | |||
| * ], September 11 | |||
| |- | |||
| * ], September 17 | |||
| | March 22-April 25 (floating Sunday using ]) || ]|| Celebration of the ] in most Western Christian churches. A minority of Protestant churches do not observe Easter. ] (including ]), ] and some ] observe Easter according to a different calendar, usually on a later Sunday (thus they also observe Palm Sunday and Good Friday on different days than Western Christians). | |||
| * ], various days in September/October | |||
| * ], October 1 globally (initiating Vegetarian Awareness Month throughout October) | |||
| * ], October 31 | |||
| * ] (also Democracy Day), November 2–8, floating Tuesday | |||
| * ], November 23–29, floating Friday | |||
| * ], November 23-30, floating Saturday | |||
| * ], November 26–December 2, floating Monday | |||
| * ], December 7 | |||
| * ], December 31 | |||
| == Other notable holidays == | |||
| Many Americans decorate hard-boiled eggs and give ] of candy, fruit, toys and so on, especially to children; but gifts of age-appropriate Easter baskets for the elderly, the infirm and the needy are increasingly popular. An annual ] has been held at the ] South Lawn for young children on ] since ] started the tradition in 1878.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2014-04-10 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410004725/http://www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll |archivedate=2014-04-10 |df= }}</ref> Not a federal holiday due to the fact that it always falls on a Sunday, which is a non-working day for federal and state employees. Many companies that are normally open on Sunday close for Easter. | |||
| ] Super Bowl party]] | |||
| |- | |||
| * ] (late March/early April; the beginning of the ] season and an unofficial indication that summer is approaching) | |||
| | October 31 || ] || Originally the end of the Celtic year, it now celebrates Eve of ]. Decorations include ]. Costume parties and candy such as ] are also part of the holiday. Kids go "]ing" to neighbors who give away candy. It is not generally observed by businesses, and is one of the most popular holidays in the U.S. | |||
| * ] (two weeks in early winter that schools are off) | |||
| |- | |||
| * ] (one week in early spring that schools are off) | |||
| | December 8 || ] || ] is a dogma of the Catholic Church maintaining that the ] was kept free of original sin from her moment of conception. Companies in some states will give day off to their employees. | |||
| |- | |||
| | December 24 || ] || Day before ]. Virtually every business closes early, though a few remain open 24 hours. | |||
| |- | |||
| | December 25 || ] || Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a Federal Holiday. | |||
| |} | |||
| ===Hindu holidays=== | |||
| {{main article|List of Hindu festivals}} | |||
| ] | |||
| According to some sources, the Hindu holidays of ] and ] are commonly celebrated as a "mainstream" holiday throughout the United States, not only by ] or peoples of ]. Many firms that hire a people from India will even go as far as observing the holidays with a celebration within the company or even approving it as a paid day off.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/25/diwali-hindu-festival-of-lights-america_n_1031492.html|title=Diwali Goes Mainstream}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/diwali2013-india-usa-uk-festival-lights-dhanteras-519272|title=Diwali 2013 in the USA and UK}}</ref> Holi, the "festival of colors" has inspired a ] musical based on this festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwfitness/article/Color-Me-Rad-5K-Celebrates-2-Million-Fans-with-New-Color-Blaster-20140213#.Uv-5-GaPL6U|title=Color Me Rad 5K - 2 Million Fans with New Color Blaster}}</ref> New York City Council has voted on a resolution that may make ] and ] a legal holiday in Resolution 1863-2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=1458675&GUID=D7B79DBE-36E1-4C9A-A018-EEA51A915E59&Options=&Search=|title=Res 1863-2013}}</ref> As of August 2013, the resolution has passed and the holidays are now officially legal holidays in New York City.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://baltic-review.com/2013/08/usa-hindus-laud-new-york-city-council-resolution-diwali-holiday-city-schools/|title=USA: Hindus laud New York City Council for resolution on Diwali holiday in City schools}}</ref> CNN reported that the Diwali holiday is shown in American pop culture through an episode of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tv.com/shows/the-office/diwali-897498/|title=Diwali}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/25/travel/diwali-2014/index.html?hpt=hp_inthenews|title=6 things you should know about Diwali}}</ref> | |||
| {| class="wikitable" | |||
| |- style="background:#efefef;" | |||
| ! Date !! Name !! Remarks | |||
| |- | |||
| | February or March (depends on ]) || ] || ''Holi'' ({{IPAc-en|lang|pron|'|h|əʊ|l|i:}}) ({{Lang-sa|होली}}) is a ] festival also known as ''Festival of Colors'', and sometimes ''Festival of Love''.<ref name=yg>Yudit Greenberg, Encyclopedia of Love in World Religions, Volume 1, {{ISBN|978-1851099801}}, page 212</ref><ref name="OED-Holi">The New Oxford Dictionary of English (1998) {{ISBN|0-19-861263-X}} - p.874 "'''Holi''' /'həʊli:/ '''noun''' a Hindu spring festival ...".</ref> It is an ancient Hindu religious festival which has become popular with non-Hindus in many parts of South Asia, as well as people of other communities.<ref name=keholi>Ebeling, Karin (2010), Holi, an Indian Festival, and its Reflection in English Media; Die Ordnung des Standard und die Differenzierung der Diskurse: Akten des 41. Linguistischen Kolloquiums in Mannheim 2006, 1, 107, {{ISBN|978-3631599174}}</ref> | |||
| |- | |||
| | October or November (depends on ]) || ] || ''Diwali'' ({{IPAc-en|lang|pron|d|ᵻ|ˈ|w|ɑː|l|iː}} or {{IPAc-en|lang|pron|d|ᵻ|ˈ|v|ɑː|l|iː}}) also called the ''Festival of lights'''", is an ancient ] celebrated in autumn every year.<ref name="OED-Diwali">The New Oxford Dictionary of English (1998) {{ISBN|0-19-861263-X}} - p.540 "'''Diwali''' /dɪwɑːli/ (also '''Divali''') '''noun''' a Hindu festival with lights...".</ref><ref> Encyclopædia Britannica (2009)</ref> The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.<ref name="ReferenceA">Jean Mead, How and why Do Hindus Celebrate Divali?, {{ISBN|978-0-237-534-127}}</ref><ref name=htoday> Hinduism Today (2012)</ref><ref name="Demon">{{cite book|url = https://books.google.com/?id=8HhVcspIBU4C&pg=PA179&dq=lamps+kept+on+diwali+lakshmi+evil+spirit#v=fjhfgyuiuyuiyuuiyii99wtwtyeryyywruiuhyuiyy&q&f=false|title = Invisible River: Sir Richard's Last Mission|first=Zak|last=Vera|quote=First Diwali day called ''Dhanteras'' or wealth worship. We perform Laskshmi-Puja in evening when clay diyas lighted to drive away shadows of evil spirits.|accessdate = 26 October 2011|isbn = 978-1-4389-0020-9|date = February 2010}}</ref> The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five-day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month ]. In the ], Diwali night falls between mid-October and mid-November. | |||
| |} | |||
| ===Jewish holidays=== | |||
| {{main article|Hebrew calendar}} | |||
| ]]] | |||
| According to various sources, the three most commonly celebrated Jewish holidays are ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday0.htm|title=Jewish Holidays}}</ref> ] and ] in addition to ] and ] are recognized as an optional state level holiday in the ] of ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/rosh-hashana|title=Rosh Hashanah}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tabletmag.com/holidays?gclid=CMzK-M6lrLwCFS7xOgodmmIAmg%7ctitle=jewish-holidays|title=Holidays - Tablet Magazine – Jewish News and Politics, Jewish Arts and Culture, Jewish Life and Religion|publisher=tabletmag.com|accessdate=3 September 2015}}</ref> All Jewish holidays start the night before, as that is when the Jewish day begins. | |||
| {| class="wikitable" | |||
| |- style="background:#efefef;" | |||
| ! Date !! Name !! Remarks | |||
| |- | |||
| | March 21-April 24 (floating date) || ] פסח || A seven- or eight-day festival in ] (seven days in Israel, eight outside of Israel), commemorating the ] of the Jews from Egypt. For ], Passover is the holiest day of the year and is the festival that marks the beginning of the year. Some Christian groups ]. In many regions with large Jewish communities, schools close for all or part of Passover. In some regions with large Jewish populations, schools may close. | |||
| |- | |||
| | May 9-June 12 (floating date) || ] שבועות || A two-day (one in Israel) festival celebrating the receiving of the Torah at Sinai and the harvest season of the Land of Israel. Many people have the custom to eat dairy foods, specifically cheesecake. | |||
| |- | |||
| | September 5-October 5 (floating date) || ] ראש השנה || Observed by Jewish people. Traditional beginning of the Jewish ]. It also celebrates the beginning of a new year on the ]. In regions with large Jewish populations, schools and universities may close on Rosh Hashanah. It is a widely accepted custom to dip an apple in honey on the first night. Unlike other holidays where the Diaspora (outside of Israel) celebrate extra days, this holiday is observed for two days everywhere. | |||
| |- | |||
| | September 14-October 14 (floating date) || ] יום כיפור || Observed by Jewish people. | |||
| This day marks the end of the Ten Days of Penitence that began with Rosh Hashanah. It is described in Leviticus as a "Sabbath of rest," and synagogue services begin the preceding sundown, resume the following morning, and continue to sundown. Orthodox and many Conservative Jews fast on Yom Kippur. In regions with large Jewish populations, schools and universities may close on ]. | |||
| |- | |||
| | September 19-October 19 (floating date) || ] סוכות || A nine-day (eight in Israel) holiday celebrating the huts Jews lived in for forty year after the Exodus before getting to Israel. It also celebrates the cloud of glory that protected the Jews in the desert during the same period. Jews eat, and some sleep, in a special hut called a ] outside their home for the first seven days. Also, the 'four species' or 'Arba Minim', ארבע מינים, the Lulav לולב or Palm Fran, the Etrog אתרוג or citron, the Aravot ערבות or willow branch, and the Hadasim הדסים, are shaken in the sukkah in the morning, as well as during prayers. The Seventh Day, known as Hoshanah Rabbah הושנה רבה is the last day of the season of repentance started on Rosh Hashanah, and has extra prayers in addition to the extra holiday prayers. The Eighth day is known as Shemini Atzeret שמיני עצרת and is to some degree considered a different holiday. The ninth day (or part of the eighth in Israel) is known as Simchat Torah שמחת תורה and celebrates he finishing of one cycle of reading the Torah or bible, and includes much joyous singing and dancing with the Torah scrolls during prayers. In many regions with large Jewish communities, schools close for all or part of Passover. | |||
| |- | |||
| | November 28-December 27 (floating date) || ] חנוכה || An eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the ] in ] at the time of the ] of the 2nd century BC. Candelabras are lit, one candle on the first night and adding one candle per night. It is also a widely accepted custom to spin a top-like toy called a ], and to give coins to the children. | |||
| |- | |||
| |February 23-March 26 (floating date) || ] פורים || A one-day holiday, celebrated the Jews being saved from a plot by Haman, the second-in-command to Persian king, Achasverosh, or Xerxes, to exterminate every single Jew. It is generally celebrated by reading the Book of Esther in Synagogue the preceding night (which, like all Jewish holidays, is actually part of the holiday) and in the morning, giving charity, giving presents of food baskets to at least two friends, and having a celebratory feast. Unlike most other Jewish holidays (other than Hannukah), work is allowed including using electricity, and other prohibited actions on Sabbath, and other holidays. The day before (or the Thursday before, if Purim is on a Sunday) is a fast day commemorating the fast of Esther before she met with King Achashverosh. In ], Purim is celebrated the day after the rest of the world. | |||
| |} | |||
| ===Islamic holidays=== | |||
| {{Main article|Islamic holidays}} | |||
| ] is the application of henna as a temporary form of skin decoration, commonly applied during Eid al-Fitr in ] culture.]] | |||
| According to various sources, the major holidays of ], ], and ] have been recognized in the United States. Awareness of these holidays can be found in calendars published by major calendar manufacturers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infoplease.com/spot/islamicholidays.html|title=Major Islamic Holidays }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/eid-al-fitr|title=Eid al-Fitr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/eid-al-adha|title=Eid al-Adha}}</ref> According to ], schools in the ]s of ] and ] (mainly ]) may begin to close in observance of all Muslim holidays.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2013/10/17/new-york-schoolscouldgetmuslimholidays.html|title=New York Schools Could Get Muslim Holidays}}</ref> | |||
| {| class="wikitable" | |||
| |- style="background:#efefef;" | |||
| ! Date !! Name !! Remarks | |||
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| | depends on ](in this year is on June and July) || ] || ''Ramadan'' ({{lang-ar|رمضان}} ''{{transl|ar|DIN|Ramaḍān}}'', {{IPA-ar|rɑmɑˈdˤɑːn|IPA}};{{ref|a|}} {{lang-fa|رَمَضان}} ''{{transl|fa|Ramazān}}''<!--Short vowels included to the extent necessary to contrast the Urdu spelling-->; ] / ] رَمْضان ''{{transl|ur|Ramzān}}''<!--Short vowel and sukūn included to the extent necessary to contrast the Persian spelling-->; {{lang-tr|Ramazan}}) is the ] of the ];<ref>] - . Retrieved 2012-07-25</ref> ]s worldwide observe this as a month of ].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/722486.shtml | title= Muslims worldwide start to observe Ramadan |work= Global Times | year= 2012 |accessdate= 28 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://newsfeedresearcher.com/data/articles_w30_3/ramadan-muslims-fasting.html |title= The Muslim World Observes Ramadan |work= Power Text Solutions |year= 2012 |accessdate= 28 July 2012 }}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> This annual observance is regarded as one of the ].<ref name="BBC 2012">{{cite web | url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/religion/islam/ramadan.shtml |title=''Schools - Religions''|publisher=BBC| accessdate = 2012-07-25}}</ref> The month lasts 29–30 days based on the visual sightings of the ], according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the ]s.<ref name="Bukhari">{{cite web |url= http://hadithcollection.com/sahihbukhari/64-Sahih%20Bukhari%20Book%2031.%20Fasting/2466-sahih-bukhari-volume-003-book-031-hadith-number-124.html |title= Sahih Bukhari - Book 031 (The Book of Fasting), Hadith 124. |first= AbdAllah-Muhammad|last= Bukhari-Ibn-Ismail |publisher= hadithcollection.com |accessdate= 25 July 2012}}</ref><ref name="Muslim">{{cite web |url= http://hadithcollection.com/sahihmuslim/134-Sahih%20Muslim%20Book%2006.%20Fasting/10970-sahih-muslim-book-006-hadith-number-2378.html |title= Sahih Muslim - Book 006 (The Book of Fasting), Hadith 2378. |first= Abul-Hussain |last= Muslim-Ibn-Habaj | publisher= hadithcollection.com |accessdate= 25 July 2012}}</ref> The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ''ramiḍa'' or ''ar-ramaḍ'', which means scorching heat or dryness.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://hadithcollection.com/sahihmuslim/134-Sahih%20Muslim%20Book%2006.%20Fasting/10952-sahih-muslim-book-006-hadith-number-2391.html |title= Sahih Muslim - Book 006 (The Book of Fasting), Hadith 2391. |first= Abul-Hussain |last= Muslim-Ibn-Habaj | publisher= hadithcollection.com |accessdate= 25 July 2012}}</ref> Fasting is ] ("obligatory") for adult Muslims, except those who are ill, traveling, pregnant, ], ] or going through ].<ref>Fasting (Al Siyam) - {{lang|ar|الصيام}} - Page 18, el Bahay el Kholi, 1998</ref> Fasting the month of Ramadan was made obligatory (wājib) during the month of Sha'aban, in the second year after the Muslims migrated from Mecca to Medina. | |||
| |- | |||
| | depends on ] (in this year is on 16 of July) || ] || ''Eid al-Fitr'' ({{lang-ar|عيد الفطر}} ''{{transl|ar|ALA-LC|ʻĪd al-Fiṭr}}'', {{IPA-ar|ʕiːd al fitˤr|IPA}}, "] of ]"), also called ''Feast of Breaking the Fast'', the ''Sugar Feast'', ''Bayram'' (''Bajram''), the ''Sweet Festival''<ref>{{cite book |title=Islam|first=Jamal J. |last=Elias |publisher=Routledge |year=1999 |isbn=0415211654 |page=75 }}</ref> and the ''Lesser Eid'', is an important ] celebrated by ]s worldwide that marks the end of ], the ]ic holy month of ] ('']''). The religious Eid is a single day and Muslims are not permitted to fast on that day. The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire ]. The day of Eid, therefore, falls on the first day of the month of ]. This is a day when Muslims around the world show a common goal of unity. The date for the start of any ] month varies based on the observation of new moon by local religious authorities, so the exact day of celebration varies by locality. However, in most countries, it is generally celebrated on the same day as Saudi Arabia(]). | |||
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| | depends on ] (in this year is on 24 of September) || ] || ''Eid al-Adha'' ({{lang-ar|{{large|عيد الأضحى}}}} ''{{transl|ar|Wehr|ʿīd al-aḍḥā}}'' {{IPA-ar|ʕiːd ælˈʔɑdˤħæ|}} meaning "Festival of the sacrifice"), also called the ''Feast of the Sacrifice'', the ''Major Festival'',<ref name="Elias">{{cite book |title=Islam |first=Jamal J. |last=Elias |publisher=Routledge |year=1999 |isbn=0415211654 |page=75 |accessdate=October 24, 2012 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oBNJxemMwQwC}}</ref> the ''Greater Eid'', ''Kurban Bayram'' ({{lang-tr|Kurban Bayramı}}; {{lang-bs|kurban-bajram}}), ''Eid e Qurban'' ({{lang-fa|{{large|عید قربان}}}}) or ''Bakr'Eid'' ({{lang-ur|{{large|بکرا عید}}}}), is the second of two ] celebrated by ]s worldwide each year. It honors the willingness of ] (]) to sacrifice his young first-born son ] (]){{ref|a|a}} as an act of submission to ]'s command<!--"submission" to his son's consent?: and his son's consent to his sacrifice-->, before God then intervened to provide Abraham with a lamb to ] instead.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019040746/http://www3.kumc.edu/diversity/ethnic_relig/eid-al-adha.html |date=2012-10-19 }}, University of Kansas Medical Center</ref> In the ]-based ], ''Eid al-Adha'' falls on the 10th day of ] and lasts for four days.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/holydays/eiduladha.shtml |title=BBC – Religion & Ethics – Eid el Adha |date=2009-09-07 |access-date=December 25, 2016}}</ref> In the international ], the dates vary from year to year, drifting approximately 11 days earlier each year. | |||
| |} | |||
| ===Other religious, traditional, and informal holidays celebrated in the United States=== | |||
| ]]] | |||
| In addition to the federal/national holidays, many religious, ethnic, and other traditional holidays populate the calendar, as well as observances proclaimed by officials and lighter celebrations. These are rarely observed by businesses as holidays (Except for Easter and most often also on Good Friday);<ref name="toolkit.com"/> indeed, many are viewed as opportunities for commercial promotion. Because of this commercialization, some critics apply the deprecatory term '']'' to such days, after the ] ] company. | |||
| {| class="wikitable" | |||
| |- style="background:#efefef;" | |||
| ! Date !! Name !! Remarks | |||
| |- | |||
| | February 2 || ] || The day on which folklore states that whether or not a local ] casts a shadow determines if the spring season will arrive early or on time. | |||
| |- | |||
| | one day first week of February || ] || A day of observance recognizing women's contributions to sports and society. | |||
| |- | |||
| | March 8 || ] || A day set aside to honor women and their accomplishments in history. | |||
| |- | |||
| | April 1 || ] || A day that people commonly play tricks or jokes on family, friends, and co-workers, especially in English-speaking nations. Sometimes called "the Feast of All Fools" as a play on the feast days of saints; there is no evidence the holiday has any Christian religious origins. | |||
| |- | |||
| | April 22 (varies by location and observance) || ] || A celebration of ]. | |||
| |- | |||
| | April 24–30 (floating Friday) || ] || A day for planting ]s. | |||
| |- | |||
| | May 1 || ] || In most other countries, May 1 is ], the equivalent of ], which commemorates the labor movement and the ultimate triumph of socialism over capitalism. This theme borrows from the pagan origins of ] which emphasized the change in season and the triumph of the warm sun over the cold winter. The holiday is often celebrated with parades and protests for ] and other broad social issues. | |||
| |- | |||
| | May 5 || ] || Primarily a celebration of Mexican culture by Mexican-Americans living in the United States. Although this is the anniversary of the victory of the ] Army over the ]<!--"France" links to the modern state. Link should go to the historic French state of that time.--> at the ] in 1862, ] is far more important in the ] than in ] itself, often celebrated even by non-Mexican-Americans. Additionally, this "holiday" is often mistaken by Americans as being Mexican Independence Day, which is actually observed on September 16. | |||
| |- | |||
| | May 8–14 (floating Sunday) || ] || Honors mothers and motherhood (made a "federal holiday" by Presidential order, although most federal agencies are already closed on Sundays) | |||
| |- | |||
| | June 1–7 (floating Sunday) || ] || Proclaimed by President ] in 2001 to honor children.<ref>]</ref> | |||
| |- | |||
| | June 14 || ] || Commemorates the adoption of the ], in 1777. | |||
| |- | |||
| | June 27 || ] || Commemorates the achievements of ] and the blind. | |||
| |- | |||
| | June 15–21 (floating Sunday) || ] || Honors fathers and fatherhood. | |||
| |- | |||
| |August 26 || ] || Celebrates the fight for, and progress towards, equality for women. Established by the ] in 1971 to commemorate two anniversaries: Passage of the ] ensuring ] in 1920 and a nationwide demonstration for equal rights, the ], in 1970. | |||
| |- | |||
| | September 4,7-10,12,13 (floating Sunday) || ] || Similar to Mother's/Father's Day but honoring grandparents and grandparenthood. | |||
| |- | |||
| | September 11 || ] || Commemorates ] on the ] (]), ] (]), and ] in 2001. | |||
| |- | |||
| | September 17 || ] || Commemorates the adoption of the ]. | |||
| |- | |||
| | October || ] || 16-day folk festival drinking beer. Modeled after the original ] from ], ]. | |||
| |- | |||
| | October 6 || ] || Commemorates the date in 1683 when 13 German families from ] near the ] landed in ]. These families subsequently founded in ], the first German settlement in the original ]. | |||
| |- | |||
| | October 9 || ] || Honors ], the Norse ] explorer, who led the first Europeans to discover and set foot in the New World. | |||
| |- | |||
| | November 2–8 (floating Tuesday) || ] or ] || Observed by the federal and state governments in applicable years; legal holiday in some states. | |||
| |- | |||
| | November 23–29 (floating Friday) || ] || Traditionally the beginning of the ] in the United States. "Black Friday" is not a holiday under that name, but ] and some other states observe "The Day After Thanksgiving" as a holiday for state government employees. Virtually all schools, colleges, and universities are also closed, along with many non-retail private sector businesses. Federal government offices, post offices and federally chartered banks ''must'' open on Black Friday (unless the President issues an executive order or proclamation allowing them to close). It is called "Black Friday" because it begins the sales period when most American retailers make their profits for the year. Contrary to popular belief, Black Friday is ''not'' the busiest sales day of the year (that honor belongs to Christmas Eve, December 24). Rather, it is the barometer by which retailers are able to gauge December sales and whether they will indeed end the year "in the black" (instead of "in the red"). A busy Black Friday almost invariably indicates a busy shopping season, while poor sales on Black Friday usually herald a very slow season. | |||
| |- | |||
| | December 7 || ] || Day to mourn ] on ] by the ]<!--"Japan" is about the modern state. The link should go to the Japanese state of that time.--> on December 7, 1941. | |||
| |- | |||
| | December 31 || ] || Final Day of the ] year. Usually accompanied by much celebration, such as party and fireworks. Virtually every company and retail outlet closes early, except for stores that sell alcoholic beverages and party supplies. | |||
| |} | |||
| ==Other notable holidays== | |||
| ] Super Bowl party]] | |||
| * ] (]th; ] holiday in which participants meet and consume ]) | |||
| * ] (busy shopping day where stores lower prices the Friday after Thanksgiving, traditionally the start of the Christmas shopping season) | |||
| * ] is watched by a quarter of the world's population. Its popularity in the United States has made many offices and shops close particularly where Indians and Pakistanis work.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newzealand.com/us/icc-cricket-world-cup-2015/|title=ICC Cricket World Cup 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-cricket-world-cup-chicago-met-20150215-story.html#page=1|title=Cricket World Cup links fans to home}}</ref> | |||
| * ] (the equivalent of Black Friday, except online, the Monday after Black Friday) | |||
| * ] (an annual promotional effort started in 2002 to bring in new consumers to independent comic book stores, takes place the first Saturday in May) | |||
| * ] (June 21) | |||
| * ] (September 19): a tongue-in-cheek holiday celebrating Pirate culture | |||
| * ] (celebrated most often in areas with contemporary or historic populations of German heritage) | |||
| * ] (first week of April; the beginning of the ] season and an unofficial indication that summer is approaching) | |||
| * Pi Day (March 14) (on March 14 for the beginning of ], 3.14) | |||
| * ] (day after Black Friday; encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local) | |||
| * ] (one week in late winter or early spring that schools are off) | |||
| * ] (the Penn State University alternative to St. Patrick's Day due to the holiday falling on spring break) | |||
| * ] (summer months in which schools are off) | * ] (summer months in which schools are off) | ||
| * ] (the |
* ] (the second Sunday in February; the day of the ]'s ]; festivities generally including in-home parties and watching the game on television with beverages and snacks) | ||
| * ] (Dec 23; a parody holiday that protests Christmas commercialization) | |||
| * ] (political event, quadrennial) | |||
| * ] (federal and state tax deadline, April 15; or if on weekend or holiday, next closest Monday or business day) | |||
| * ] (day in which an average citizen is said to have worked enough to pay his or her ]es for the year) | |||
| ==See also== | == See also == | ||
| {{Portal|Holidays}} | {{Portal|Holidays}} | ||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | * ] | ||
| * ] | * ] | ||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | * ] | ||
| * ] | * ] | ||
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| * ] | * ] | ||
| {{-}} | |||
| ==References== | |||
| {{Reflist|30em}} | |||
| == References == | |||
| {{Reflist}} | |||
| ==External links== | == External links == | ||
| * | * | ||
| * | * | ||
| * – a comprehensive compilation of special recognition given both to months and individual days. ''Unfortunately, the origins of the commemorations aren't provided.'' | * – a comprehensive compilation of special recognition given both to months and individual days. ''Unfortunately, the origins of the commemorations aren't provided.'' | ||
| * | * | ||
| * , CRS Report for Congress, 98-301 GOV, updated February 8, 1999, by Stephen W. Stathis | * , CRS Report for Congress, 98-301 GOV, updated February 8, 1999, by Stephen W. Stathis | ||
| {{Public holidays in the United States}} | {{Public holidays in the United States}} | ||
| {{United States topic|exclude-wdc=|exclude-ter=|title=Public holidays in the United States|navbar=plain|prefix=Public holidays in|suffix=}} | |||
| {{Life in the United States}} | |||
| {{United States topics}} | {{United States topics}} | ||
| {{North America topic|Public holidays in}} | {{North America topic|Public holidays in}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 03:32, 24 December 2024
Holidays in the United States of America For other uses, see Public holidays in the United States (disambiguation).
| Public holidays in the United States | |
|---|---|
 Public • Paid • Federal • Observance • School • Hallmark | |
| Observed by | Federal government State governments Local governments Private and public sector employers |
| Type | National |
In the United States, public holidays are set by federal, state, and local governments and are often observed by closing government offices or giving government employees paid time off. The federal government does not require private businesses to close or offer paid time off, as is the case for most state and local governments, so employers determine which holidays to observe.
Several federal holidays are widely observed by private businesses with paid time off. These include New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Businesses often close or grant paid time off for New Year's Eve, Christmas Eve, and the Day after Thanksgiving, but none of these are federal holidays. Other federal holidays are less widely observed by businesses. Most federal holidays are celebrated on a Monday or Friday to create a three-day weekend.
Christmas is the only religious holiday that is a federal holiday. Some businesses allow religious employees to take paid time off for religious observances.
Other holidays, such as Halloween and Valentine's Day, are widely celebrated in the United States but rarely include paid time off.
Overview
There are no national holidays on which the law requires all businesses to close. Federal holidays are only established for certain federally chartered and regulated businesses, government contractors, and the city of Washington, DC. All other public holidays are created by the States. Most states allow local jurisdictions, cities, villages, etc., to establish local holidays. As a result, holidays have not historically been governed at the federal level, and federal law does not govern business openings.
Many states have additional holidays that the federal government does not observe. Most prominent among these are holidays to celebrate statehood. Since 2000, some city and state-level celebrations of Malcolm X Day and Rosa Parks Day have been created, in addition to the federal Martin Luther King Jr. Day, to honor and recognize African American contributions to the United States. Missouri honors Rosa Parks on her birthday.
Colorado became the first state to establish a paid state holiday honoring a woman in 2020 with the designation of the first Monday in October as Frances Xavier Cabrini Day.
Many businesses observe certain holidays, which are also not mandated by any government agency. Many workplaces celebrate religious observance as well as ethnic holidays, such as Saint Patrick's Day, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Mardi Gras, and Cinco de Mayo, as a matter of best practice.
While the popularity of each public holiday cannot easily be measured, the holiday with the highest greeting card sales is Christmas. Major retail establishments, such as shopping malls and centers, close only on Thanksgiving and Christmas, but remain open on all other holidays, with early closings on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, and sometimes on other major holidays. In the face of a rapidly tightening retail market in the 2010s, retailers have increasingly been opening on Thanksgiving evening and night to extend Black Friday and the holiday shopping season, however, the COVID-19 pandemic greatly limited this practice.
Virtually all large companies observe and close on the major holidays (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). Some non-retail businesses close the day after Thanksgiving, while others, such as federal banks and post offices, are not allowed to close that day. Some smaller businesses normally open on Sundays will close on Easter Sunday if they expect to have very few customers that day.
Holiday business restrictions
Some states restrict certain business activities on some holidays. Business closures are mandated on a few holidays in some states for certain kinds of businesses by blue laws. For example, businesses that operate on more than 5,000 square feet (460 m) cannot open on Thanksgiving in some New England states. The most notable businesses to close on such occasions are car dealerships and liquor stores. Some holidays are observed with community service, depending on the meaning of the holiday. Service is not mandated by any government agencies, whether they be federal, state, or local.
Federal holidays
Main article: Federal holidays in the United States
The following federal holidays are observed by the majority of private businesses with paid time off:
- New Year's Day (January 1)
- Memorial Day (May 25–31, floating Monday)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (September 1–7, floating Monday)
- Thanksgiving (November 22–28, floating Thursday)
- Christmas (December 25)
Other federal holidays are less widely observed by businesses. These include:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 15–21, floating Monday)
- Washington's Birthday (February 15–21, floating Monday)
- Juneteenth (June 19)
- Columbus Day (October 8–14, floating Monday)
- Veterans Day (November 11)
Established in 2021, Juneteenth is the newest federal holiday. In its second year of federal observance, 30% of private employers offered paid time off.
Holidays with religious significance
Main articles: Religion in the United States and Separation of church and state in the United StatesReligious and cultural holidays in the United States are characterized by a diversity of religious beliefs and practices. However, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ...." and Article VI specifies that "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." As a result, various religious faiths have flourished, as well as perished, in the United States. In 2002, a majority of Americans reported that religion plays a "very important" role in their lives, a proportion unique among developed nations.
In 2012, the majority of Americans (73–80%) identified themselves as Christians and about 15–20% had no religious affiliation. In the 2008 American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS), 76% of American adults population identified themselves as Christians, with 51% professing attendance at a variety of churches that could be considered Protestant or unaffiliated, and 25% professing Catholic beliefs. The same survey said that other religions (including, for example, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism) collectively made up about 4% of the adult population, another 15% of the adult population claimed no religious affiliation, and 5.2% said they did not know, or they refused to reply. In a 2012 survey by the Pew forum, 36 percent of Americans stated that they attended services nearly every week or more.
Christian holidays
Main article: Liturgical yearWith 65% of adults in the U.S. identifying as Christian in 2019, many holidays from the liturgical calendar are observed by this segment of the population. Many businesses, as well as federal, state, and local governments, are closed on Christmas. A reference in the film A Christmas Story shows a Chinese restaurant being the only establishment open on Christmas.
Some private businesses and certain other institutions are closed on Good Friday. The financial market and stock market is closed on Good Friday. Most retail stores remain open, although some might close early. Public schools and most universities are closed on Good Friday, either as a holiday of its own, or part of spring break. The postal service operates, and banks regulated by the federal government do not close for Good Friday.
Many companies, including banks, malls, shopping centers, and most private retail stores that normally open on Sundays are closed on Easter.
Hindu holidays
The Hindu holidays of Diwali and Holi are celebrated in some parts of the United States, mostly by Indian Americans or peoples of Indian descent. Holi, the "festival of colors" has inspired a Broadway musical based on this festival. While not officially recognized in most of the United States, the New York City Council officially recognized these as official school holidays in New York City. CNN reported that the Diwali holiday is shown in American pop culture through an episode of The Office.
Jewish holidays
Main article: Hebrew calendar
The three most commonly celebrated Jewish holidays are Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Passover. Passover and Yom Kippur in addition to Rosh Hashannah and Hanukkah are recognized as an optional state level holiday in Texas. All Jewish holidays start the night before, as that is when the Jewish day begins.
Islamic holidays
Main article: Islamic holidaysThe major Islamic holidays of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha have been recognized in the United States. Awareness of these holidays can be found in calendars published by major calendar manufacturers. According to Al-Jazeera, schools in New York and Michigan (mainly Dearborn) may begin to close in observance of all Muslim holidays.
Holidays with other cultural or historical significance
Drinking holidays
See also: Drinking culture
According to the National Institutes of Health, about 86% of the population over 18 drinks alcohol recreationally or socially. In the United States, the holidays that are considered the most "festive" are generally regarded as some of the "most drunken holidays". Celebrations usually revolve around barbecues and beer. Although many of these holidays lack any official status, they are generally observed by the drinking culture for the fact that these holidays revolve around drinking.
One measurement of the popularity of these holidays is the amount of alcohol purchased for the occasion. One survey names New Year's Eve as the holiday on which the most alcohol is consumed based on sales. While many holidays are listed, some are generally notable for their drinking requirement while others are known for abstinence.
African American holidays
Main article: African-American culture
Some holidays in the United States celebrate or recognize the struggle of African-Americans for emancipation from slavery and civil rights. Two holidays are celebrated as Federal holidays:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on the Monday falling on or between January 15–21, commemorates the birthday of Dr. King, a significant leader of the Civil Rights Movement. The holiday was established federally in 1983 and first officially celebrated in 1986; efforts to create the holiday faced strong opposition and some southern states paired the new holiday with a holiday honoring the Confederacy
- Juneteenth, observed on June 19, commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in June 1865, and more generally the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. The name is a portmanteau of June and nineteenth and has been a federal holiday since 2021.
Some states and cities have additional holidays honoring African-Americans:
- Emancipation Day, observed in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands on various days based on when enslaved people were emancipated in those jurisdictions
- Harriet Tubman Day, observed in New York and in some parts of Maryland on March 10
- Malcolm X Day, observed in Illinois and Berkeley, California, on May 19; also celebrated in cities such as Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. as an unofficial holiday
- Rosa Parks Day, observed in Missouri on February 4, in California and Michigan on the following Monday, and in Ohio on December 1
A significant African-American cultural celebration is Kwanzaa, observed from December 26 to January 1. Created by Maulana Karenga in 1966, the holiday honors African heritage in African-American culture.
Confederate holidays
Some states celebrate holidays honoring the Confederate States of America that seceded from the United States. Many of these state holidays were created in the early twentieth century, fifty years after the end of the Civil War, as part of the myth of the Lost Cause of the Confederacy.
- Confederate Memorial (or Heroes) Day is observed in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, Louisiana and Texas on various days.
- Robert E. Lee Day (on or around Lee's Jan 19 birthday) is still observed in Alabama and Mississippi combined with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the only remaining states to do so. It is officially recognized in Florida, but is not widely observed there. Arkansas combined the observance of Robert E. Lee Day with Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1985. In 2017, the state passed a law removing Lee's name from the January holiday and instead establishing a state memorial day on the second Saturday of October in honor of Lee.
- Confederate History Month has been declared at least once in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Virginia as well as by various cities, usually in April to augment Confederate Memorial Day.
Other traditional and informal holidays
In addition to the federal/national holidays, many religious, ethnic, and other traditional holidays populate the calendar, as well as lighter celebrations. These are rarely observed by businesses as holidays; indeed, many are viewed as opportunities for commercial promotion. Because of this commercialization, some critics apply the deprecatory term Hallmark holiday to such days, after the Hallmark greeting card company.
- Groundhog Day, February 2
- Valentine's Day, February 14
- Saint Patrick's Day, March 17
- April Fool's Day, April 1
- Patriots' Day (Revolutionary War), April 15
- Earth Day, April 22, varies
- Arbor Day, April 24–30, floating Friday
- May Day, May 1
- Cinco de Mayo, May 5
- Mother's Day, May 8–14, floating Sunday
- Flag Day, June 14
- Helen Keller Day, June 27
- Father's Day, June 15–21, floating Sunday
- Pioneer Day, July 24
- Women's Equality Day, August 26
- Patriot Day, September 11
- Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, September 17
- Oktoberfest, various days in September/October
- World Vegetarian Day, October 1 globally (initiating Vegetarian Awareness Month throughout October)
- Halloween, October 31
- Election Day (also Democracy Day), November 2–8, floating Tuesday
- Black Friday, November 23–29, floating Friday
- Small Business Saturday, November 23-30, floating Saturday
- Cyber Monday, November 26–December 2, floating Monday
- Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7
- New Year's Eve, December 31
Other notable holidays
- Opening Day (late March/early April; the beginning of the Major League Baseball season and an unofficial indication that summer is approaching)
- Winter break (two weeks in early winter that schools are off)
- Spring break (one week in early spring that schools are off)
- Summer vacation (summer months in which schools are off)
- Super Bowl Sunday (the second Sunday in February; the day of the National Football League's championship; festivities generally including in-home parties and watching the game on television with beverages and snacks)
- Festivus (Dec 23; a parody holiday that protests Christmas commercialization)
See also
- Holidays with paid time off in the United States
- United States federal observances
- Holidays in Puerto Rico
- List of African-American holidays
- Mexican fiestas in the United States
- Easter controversy
- Christmas controversy
- Hallmark holiday
- Tax holiday
- Work–life balance in the United States
References
- "State Holidays". Infoplease.com. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
- "Rosa Parks to be honored by Missouri on Feb 4th". Archived from the original on January 6, 2017.
- "Illinois designates May 19 as Malcolm X Day". May 20, 2015.
- Kelley, Debbie (October 3, 2022). "Colorado's Mother Cabrini Day, Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day cause confusion". Colorado Springs Gazette. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
- "2014 Diversity Holidays". Archived from the original on October 21, 2014.
- Enten, Harry J. (December 22, 2012). "Christmas may be on the cards, but is it the most popular American holiday?". The Guardian.
- "Hours". Mall of America. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
- "Black Friday shopping like we all know it is officially over because of COVID-19". finance.yahoo.com. September 10, 2020. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
- ^ "Optional Time-Off Benefits You Can Give Your Employees | BizFilings Toolkit". Toolkit.com. May 25, 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
- Massachusetts, for example, forbids most retailers from opening on Thanksgiving and Christmas: Attorney General's Office, "Sunday and Holiday Openings" "Office of Attorney General Maura Healey". Archived from the original on August 30, 2016. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
- "Upcoming Holidays and Observances in the United States".
- Ali, Shirin (June 17, 2022). "Growing number of businesses are giving employees Juneteenth off". The Hill. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
- "Among Wealthy Nations U.S. Stands Alone in its Embrace of Religion". Pew Global Attitudes Project. December 19, 2002. Retrieved January 1, 2007.
- ""Nones" on the Rise". The Pew Forum. October 9, 2012. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
- US Census Bureau (September 30, 2011). "Table 75. Self-Described Religious Identification of Adult Population: 1990, 2001 and 2008, The methodology of the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS)". US Census Bureau 2012 Statistical Abstract. Archived from the original on December 25, 2007. Retrieved February 11, 2012.
- "The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life – Asian Americans: A Mosaic of Faiths". Pewforum.org. July 19, 2012. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
- "In U.S., Decline of Christianity Continues at Rapid Pace". Archived from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
- "What will be open Christmas Day". Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved February 16, 2014.
- "Good Friday in United States". timeanddate.com. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
- "Stock Market Holidays". money-zine.com. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
- "Federal Holidays". Opm.gov. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
- "Diwali Goes Mainstream". Huffington Post. October 25, 2011.
- Sinha, Sanskrity (November 4, 2013). "Diwali 2013: Hindu Festival of Lights Celebrated Around the World [PHOTOS]". International Business Times UK. Archived from the original on April 11, 2023.
- "Color Me Rad 5K Celebrates 2 Million Fans with New Color Blaster". BWWFitnessWorld. February 13, 2014. Archived from the original on March 2, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
- "USA: Hindus laud New York City Council for resolution on Diwali holiday in City schools". Baltic Review. August 30, 2013. Archived from the original on February 18, 2014.
- "The Office: Diwali - Season 3, Episode 6". TV.com. Archived from the original on December 21, 2011.
- "6 things you should know about Diwali". CNN. November 11, 2015.
- "Jewish Holidays".
- "Rosh Hashanah".
- "Holidays – Tablet Magazine – Jewish News and Politics, Jewish Arts and Culture, Jewish Life and Religion". tabletmag.com. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
- "Major Islamic Holidays".
- "Eid al-Fitr".
- "Eid al-Adha".
- "New York Schools Could Get Muslim Holidays".
- "Alcohol facts and statistics".
- ^ "Top 10 Drunkest Holidays". Time. March 17, 2011.
- "Ranking America's drinking holidays". May 4, 2015.
- "Juneteenth Celebrated in Coachella". Black Voice News. June 22, 2011. Archived from the original on January 22, 2012.
- "Juneteenth". Merriam Webster Dictionary. Retrieved May 30, 2013.
- "Celebrating the Kwanzaa Holiday and Understanding its Impact on Race Relations".
- "Why Kwanzaa Video". Maulana Karenga.
- McCullar, Emily (July 3, 2020). "Why Texas Still Celebrates Confederate Heroes Day". Texas Monthly. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
- Little, Becky (January 13, 2017). "The Controversial History of Martin Luther King Day". National Geographic. Archived from the original on May 16, 2021. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
- Mettler, Katie (January 19, 2016). "Today in Florida, it's Robert E. Lee Day". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved August 22, 2018.
- "Arkansas Ends Robert E. Lee-Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday". NBC News. March 22, 2017. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
- "Arkansas lawmakers vote to remove Robert E. Lee from holiday honoring MLK". Politico. Associated Press. March 17, 2017. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
External links
- U.S. Department of Commerce Federal Holiday Calendar
- Text of Federal Holiday Legislation
- Bizarre American Holidays – a comprehensive compilation of special recognition given both to months and individual days. Unfortunately, the origins of the commemorations aren't provided.
- Infoplease: State Holidays
- Federal Holidays: Evolution and Application, CRS Report for Congress, 98-301 GOV, updated February 8, 1999, by Stephen W. Stathis
| Public holidays in North America | |
|---|---|
| Sovereign states | |
| Dependencies and other territories | |