The schedule of public holidays in the United States is largely influenced by the schedule of federal holidays, but is controlled by private sector employers who employ 62% of the total U.S. population with paid time off. A typical work week is generally 40 hours a week with a Saturday-Sunday weekend. 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 federal holidays of the United States, 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 Christmas Eve and the Day after Thanksgiving are common additions to the list of paid holidays while Columbus Day and Veterans Day 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. Halloween and Valentine's Day are such examples of widely celebrated uncompensated holidays.
Video Public holidays in the United States
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 national holidays on which all businesses are closed by law. Federal holidays are only established for certain federally chartered and regulated businesses (such as federal banks), and for Washington, D.C. 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. Business closures are mandated on some holidays in some states for certain kinds of businesses by Blue Laws. For example, some businesses cannot open on Thanksgiving Day 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.
Maps Public holidays in the United States
Overview
As of 2012, there were eleven federal holidays in the United States, ten annual holidays and one quadrennial holiday (Inauguration Day). Pursuant to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 (effective 1971), official holidays are observed on a Monday, except for New Year's Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
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. 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 racial diversity where various ethnic holidays such as St. Patrick's Day, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Mardi Gras, and Cinco de Mayo are celebrated by individuals in the workplace, as a matter of best practice. In light of recent race issues in the United States, many municipalities both at the city and state levels have begun celebrating Malcolm X Day and Rosa Parks Day in addition to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to embrace the mostly disenfranchised African American community in the form of festivals and parades if not done as a legal public holiday. Illinois and Berkeley, California are two places where Malcolm X is honored with a legal holiday with offices closed whereas Missouri honored Rosa Parks on her birthday. Today, the United States is the 85th most ethnically diverse country in the world. 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 malls, shopping centers and most retail stores close only on Thanksgiving and Christmas and some on Easter Sunday as well, but remain open on all other holidays (early closing on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, and sometimes on other major holidays). Virtually all companies observe and close on the major holidays (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). 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.
Holidays most commonly celebrated
Holidays observed with paid time off
The labor force in the United States comprises about 62% (as of 2014) of the general population. 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 Society for Human Resource Management. The following holidays are observed by the majority of the U.S. businesses with paid time off:
- New Year's Day and New Year's Eve
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving and the day after
- Christmas Eve and Christmas
Holiday listing as paid time off
This list of holidays is based off the official list of Federal Holidays by Year from the U.S. Government. The holidays however are at the discretion of employers whose statistics are measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Another list from the Society for Human Resource Management 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 paid time off.
* List of Federal Holidays by Year from the U.S. Government (see Office of Personnel Management)
** Additional holidays referenced by the Society for Human Resource Management: Good Friday 26%, Easter Monday 6%, Yom Kippur 7%, Day before Thanksgiving 3-8%, Day after Thanksgiving 69-75%, Day before Christmas Eve 33%, Christmas Eve 78-79%, Day after Christmas 40-64%, Day before New Years Eve 25-71% depending if it falls on a weekend, New Years Eve 71%, Passover 3%, Hanukkah 1%, Ramadan 1%, Ash Wednesday 1%, Diwali 1%, Eid al-Adha 1%, Vietnamese New Year <1%, Chinese New Year <1%
School holidays
An academic year typically spans from early fall to early summer, with two or three months of summer vacation marking the end of the year. K-12 public schools 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 professional development for teachers and students have the day off.
Most colleges and universities divide the school year into two semesters. 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. Spring break is usually a week in March or early April, and in elementary and secondary school and college party culture traditionally involves a warm-weather trip.
Unscheduled weather-related cancellations and emergency cancellations can also affect school calendars.
When taking summer school or summer camp schedules into account, the Independence Day holiday on July 4 is usually a scheduled holiday observance for which the summer program closes.
Government sector holidays: Federal, state, and local government
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. This sector of the population is entitled to paid time off designated as Federal holidays by Congress in Title V of the United States Code (5 U.S.C. § 6103). Both federal and state government employees generally observe the same federal holidays.
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 wire transfers and Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions. For example, JP Morgan Chase observes all federal holidays except Columbus Day, while U.S. Bank observes all of them.
The New York Stock Exchange also closely follows the federal holidays except for Columbus Day. However, the agency also has extra holidays on the day before Independence Day and Good Friday.
Legal holidays by states and political divisions of the United States
- Not to be confused with tax holidays
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.
Alabama
- See also: State of Alabama Legal Holidays
- All federal holidays
- January 15-21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed "Robert E. Lee/Martin Luther King Birthday"
- February 15-21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed "George Washington/Thomas Jefferson Birthday"
- April 22-28 (floating Monday) - Confederate Memorial Day
- June 1-7 (floating Monday) - Jefferson Davis' birthday
- October 8-14 (floating Monday) - Renamed Columbus Day / Fraternal Day / American Indian Heritage Day
Baldwin County, Alabama
- All Alabama state holidays
- February 3-March 9 (floating Tuesday using Computus) - Mardi Gras
Mobile County, Alabama
- All Alabama state holidays
- February 3-March 9 (floating Tuesday using Computus) - Mardi Gras
Perry County, Alabama
- See also: Perry County, Alabama Calendar
- All Alabama state holidays
- November 8-14 (floating Monday) - Obama Day
Alaska
- See also: Alaska State Holidays
- All federal holidays except Columbus Day
- March 25-31 (floating Monday) - Seward's Day
- October 18 - Alaska Day
American Samoa
- See also: American Samoa Holidays
- All federal holidays
- April 17 - Flag Day
- December 26 - Family Day
Arizona
- See also:Arizona State Holidays
- All federal holidays
- January 15-21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr./Civil Rights Day".
- February 15-21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed "Lincoln/Washington Presidents' Day".
Arkansas
- See also: Arkansas State Holidays
- All federal holidays except Columbus Day
- February 15-21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed "George Washington's Birthday and Daisy Gatson Bates Day".
- December 24 - Christmas Eve
California
- See also: California Department of Human Resources - State Holidays
The U.S. state of California has separate definitions of "state holidays" which are different from "legal holidays".
- All federal holidays except Columbus Day
- March 31 (fixed) - César Chávez Day
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - day after Thanksgiving
California education holidays
- See also: California Education Code 37220-37223
- All California state holidays (schools closed)
- January 23 - Ed Roberts Day (schools open, but with related instructions)
- January 30 - Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties (schools open, but with related instructions)
- February 6 - Ronald Reagan Day (schools open, but with related instructions)
- February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday (schools closed)
- February 15 - Susan B. Anthony Day (schools open, but with related instructions)
- March 5 - death of Crispus Attucks (schools open, but with related instructions)
- March 7 - birthday of Luther Burbank / Arbor Day (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 - John Muir Day (schools open, but with related instructions)
- May 8-14 (floating Wednesday) - Day of the Teacher (schools open, but with related instructions)
- May 22 - Harvey Milk Day (schools open, but with related instructions)
- September 22-28 (floating Monday) - Native American Day (schools closed)
- October 25 - Larry Itliong Day (schools open, but with related instructions)
Lincoln's Birthday (February 12) was removed from California's education holiday calendar in 2009.
Berkeley, California
- See also: City of Berkeley: Holiday and Reduced Service Days Schedule
- All California holidays except Cesar Chavez Day
- February 12 (fixed) - Lincoln's Birthday
- May 19 (fixed) - Malcolm X Day
- October 8-14 (floating Monday) - Indigenous People's Day
San Francisco, California
- See also: San Francisco City and County Holidays
- All California holidays except Cesar Chavez Day
- October 8-14 (floating Monday) - Columbus Day (added because the holiday was omitted by the California state government)
West Hollywood, California
- See also: West Hollywood City Holidays
- All California holidays except Cesar Chavez Day and the Day after Thanksgiving
- May 22 (fixed) - Harvey Milk Day
Colorado
- See also: Colorado State Holidays
- All federal holidays
Connecticut
- See also: Connecticut Department of Administrative Services State Holidays
- All federal holidays
- February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday
- March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
Delaware
- See also State of Delaware - State Holidays
- All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday and Columbus Day
- March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
- November 2-8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day (in even-numbered years)
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - day After Thanksgiving
District of Columbia
- See also: District of Columbia Department of Human Resources Holidays
- All federal holidays
- January 20 - Inauguration Day (every 4 years)
- April 16 - Emancipation Day
Florida
- See also: Florida State Holidays Chapter 110 Section 117
Florida's laws separately defines "paid holidays" versus "legal holidays", which does not have any obligation to include as "paid holidays".
- All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday and Columbus Day
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - day after Thanksgiving
Florida legal holidays
- See also: [3]
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 - Martin Luther King Jr.
- February 3-March 9 (floating Tuesday using Computus) - Shrove Tuesday / Mardi Gras
- February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday
- February 15 - Susan B. Anthony Day
- February 15-21 (floating Monday) - Washington's Birthday (reincluded because the holiday is not listed under the Florida government holidays)
- March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
- April 2 - Pascua Florida Day
- April 26 - Confederate Memorial Day
- June 3 - birthday of Jefferson Davis
- June 14 - Flag Day
- October 8-14 (floating Monday) - renamed holiday as Columbus and Farmers' Day
- November 2-8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day
Florida circuit courts
- See also: Florida Circuit Court Holidays
- All Florida state holidays
- February 15-21 (floating Monday) - Presidents' Day (reincluded because the Florida state government omits this holiday)
- March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
- September 5-October 5 (floating date) - Rosh Hashannah
- September 14-October 14 (floating date) - Yom Kippur
Miami-Dade, Florida
- See also: Miami-Dade Government Holidays
- All Florida state holidays
- February 15-21 (floating Monday) - Presidents' Day (reincluded because the Florida state government excludes this date)
- October 8-14 (floating Monday) - Columbus Day (reincluded because the Florida state government excludes this date)
Georgia
- See also: Georgia State Holidays
- All federal holidays except President's Day
- April 24-30 (floating Monday) - Confederate Memorial Day
- December 24 - Washington's Birthday observed. If December 24 is a Wednesday, then this holiday is observed on Friday December 26.
Guam
- See also: Guam Government Holidays
- All federal holidays
- March 7 - Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day
- July 21 - Liberation Day
- November 2 - All Souls' Day
- December 8 - Lady of Camarin Day
Hawaii
- See also: Hawaii State Government Holidays
- All federal holidays except Columbus Day
- March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
- March 26 - Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Day
- June 11 - Kamehameha Day
- August 15-21 (floating Friday) - Statehood Day
- November 2-8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day (in even-numbered years)
Idaho
- See also: Idaho State Holidays
- All federal holidays
- January 15-21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed "Martin Luther King, Jr.-Idaho Human Rights Day"
Illinois
- See also: Illinois Department of Central Management Services State Holidays
- All federal holidays
- February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday
- November 2-8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day (in even-numbered years)
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - day after Thanksgiving
Chicago, Illinois
- See also: Chicago City Holidays
- All Illinois state holidays except the Day after Thanksgiving
- March 1-7 (floating Monday) - Pulaski Day
Indiana
- See also: Indiana State Personnel State Holidays
- All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday
- March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
- May 1-7 (floating Monday) - Primary Election Day
- November 2-8 (floating Monday) - General Election Day
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - Lincoln's Birthday to occur on day after Thanksgiving
- December 24 - Washington's Birthday to occur on Christmas Eve
Iowa
- See also: Iowa Department of Administrative Services
- All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday and Columbus Day
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving
Kansas
- See also: State of Kansas Employee Service Center
- All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday and Columbus Day
Kentucky
- See also: State Holidays Kentucky Personnel Cabinet
- All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday and Columbus Day
- March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday(half holiday)
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving
- December 24 - Christmas Eve
- December 31 - New Year's Eve
Louisiana
- See also: Louisiana State Holidays
- All federal holidays except Columbus Day
- February 3-March 9 (floating Tuesday using Computus) - Mardi Gras
- March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
- November 2-8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day (in even-numbered years)
Louisiana courts
- See also: Louisiana Court Holidays
- All Louisiana state holidays
- November 1 - All Saints' Day
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving
- December 24 - Christmas Eve
- December 31 - New Year's Eve
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- All Louisiana state holidays
- January 20 - Inauguration Day (every four years)
Maine
- See also: Maine Public Holidays
- All federal holidays
- April 15-21 (floating Monday) - Patriots' Day
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving
Maryland
- See also: Maryland State Employee Holidays
- All federal holidays
- November 2-8 (floating Tuesday) - Presidential Election Day (every 4 years)
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - Native American Heritage Day
Massachusetts
- See also: Massachusetts Legal Holidays
- All federal holidays
- April 15-21 (floating Monday) - Patriots' Day
Suffolk County, Massachusetts
- All Massachusetts state holidays
- March 17 - Evacuation Day
- June 17 - Bunker Hill Day
Michigan
- See also: Michigan State Holidays
- All federal holidays except Columbus Day
- November 2-8 (floating Tuesday) - General Election Day (even numbered years only)
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving
- December 24 - Christmas Eve (if Christmas Eve falls on Sunday as it does in 2017, December 22 is the observed holiday)
- December 31 - New Year's Eve (if New Year's Eve falls on Sunday as it does in 2017, December 29 is the observed holiday)
Minnesota
- See also: Minnesota Court Holidays
- All federal holidays except Columbus Day
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving
Mississippi
- See also: Mississippi State Holidays
- All federal holidays except Columbus Day
- January 15-21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed "Martin Luther King's and Robert E. Lee's Birthdays"
- April 24-30 (floating Monday) - Confederate Memorial Day
- May 25-31 (floating Monday) - renamed National Memorial Day / Jefferson Davis Birthday
- November 11 - renamed Armistice Day (Veterans Day)
Missouri
- See also: Missouri State Holidays
- All federal holidays
- February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday
- May 8 - Truman Day
Montana
- See also: Montana State Holidays
- All federal holidays
- November 2-8 (floating Tuesday) - General Election Day
Nebraska
- See also: Nebraska Health and Human Services State Holidays
- All federal holidays
- April 24-30 (floating Friday) - Arbor Day
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving
Nevada
- See also: Nevada State Holidays
- All federal holidays except Columbus Day.
- October 25-31 (floating Friday) - Nevada Day
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - Family Day
New Hampshire
- See also: New Hampshire State Holidays
- All federal holidays (offices remain open on Columbus Day)
- January 15-21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Day
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - the day after Thanksgiving
New Jersey
- See also : New Jersey State Holidays
- All federal holidays
- March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
- November 2-8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day
New Mexico
- See also: New Mexico State Holidays
- All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - holiday in lieu of Presidents' Day
New York
- See also: New York State Holidays
- All federal holidays
- February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday
- November 2-8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day
New York City Public Schools
- See also: New York City School Calendar
- All New York State holidays and most national school holidays
- January 21-February 20 (floating on full moon date) - Lunar New Year
- February - Mid-Winter Recess (includes Lincoln's Birthday and Washington's Birthday)
- March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
- April - Spring Recess
- July-August - Summer vacation (includes Independence Day)
- September 5-October 5 (floating date) - Rosh Hashannah
- September 14-October 14 (floating date) - Yom Kippur
- December - Winter Recess (includes Christmas and New Years Day)
- Eid al-Fitr (date can vary year-round) - Schools are closed if the holiday falls within the academic year
- Eid al-Adha (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
- See also: North Carolina Human Resources State Employee Holidays
- All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday and Columbus Day, plus the following four state holidays:
- March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - Day After Thanksgiving
- December 22-28 (floating days) - Christmas Eve and Day after Christmas (three days sequentially; adjusted if any falls on a weekend)
North Dakota
- See also: North Dakota State Holidays
- All federal holidays except Columbus Day
Northern Mariana Islands
- See also: Northern Mariana Islands Holidays
- All federal holidays
- March 24 - Commonwealth Covenant Day
- March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
- November 4 - Citizenship Day
- December 9 - Constitution Day
Ohio
- See also: Ohio State Employer Holidays
- All federal holidays
Oklahoma
- See also: Oklahoma State Holidays
- All federal holidays except Columbus Day
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving
- December 26 - Day after Christmas
Oregon
- See also: Oregon Legal Holidays
- All federal holidays except Columbus Day
Pennsylvania
- See also: Pennsylvania State Holidays
- All federal holidays
- March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
- November 2-8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving
Puerto Rico
- See also: Puerto Rico Public Holidays
- All federal holidays
- January 6 - Three Kings Day/Epiphany
- January 8-14 (floating Monday) - Eugenio María de Hostos Birthday
- March 22 - Emancipation Day
- March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
- March 22-April 25 (floating Sunday using Computus) - Easter
- April 15-21 (floating Monday) - José de Diego Birthday
- May 8-14 (floating Sunday) - Mother's Day
- June 15-21 (floating Sunday) - Father's Day
- July 15-21 (floating Monday) - Luis Muñoz Rivera Birthday
- July 25 - Constitution of Puerto Rico Day
- July 27 - José Celso Barbosa Birthday
- November 19 - Discovery of Puerto Rico Day
Rhode Island
- See also: Rhode Island State Holidays
- All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday
- August 8-14 (floating Monday) - Victory Day
- November 2-8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day
South Carolina
- See also: South Carolina Holiday Leave
- All federal holidays except Columbus Day
- May 10 - Confederate Memorial Day
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving
- December 24 - Christmas Eve
- December 26 - Day after Christmas
South Dakota
- See also: Schedule of Office Closures for State-recognized holidays
- All federal holidays except Columbus Day
- October 8-14 (floating Monday) - Native Americans Day
Tennessee
- See also: Tennessee State Holidays
- All federal holidays except Columbus Day
- March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
- December 24 - Christmas Eve
Texas
- See also: Official Texas State Holidays
- All federal holidays except Columbus Day.
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - Friday after Thanksgiving
- December 24 - Christmas Eve
- December 26 - Day after Christmas
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 - Confederate Heroes Day
- March 2 - Texas Independence Day
- April 21 - San Jacinto Day
- June 19 - Emancipation Day in Texas
- August 27 - Lyndon Baines Johnson Day
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 Computus) - Good Friday
- March 31 - Cesar Chavez Day (added in section 662.013, was not one of the original "optional holidays" declared in 1999)
- September 5-October 5 (floating date) - Rosh Hashanah
- September 14-October 14 (floating date) - Yom Kippur
U.S. Virgin Islands
- See also: U.S. Virgin Islands Court Holidays
- All federal holidays
- January 6 - Three Kings Day
- March 31 - Transfer Day
- March 19-April 22 (floating Thursday using Computus) - Holy Thursday
- March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
- March 23-April 26 (floating Monday using Computus) - Easter Monday
- July 3 - Emancipation Day
- October 8-14 (floating Monday) - Columbus Day - Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Day
- November 1 - D. Hamilton Jackson Day
- December 26 - Christmas Second Day
Utah
- See also: Utah State Holidays
- All federal holidays
- July 24 - Pioneer Day
Vermont
- See also: Vermont State Holidays
- All federal holidays except Columbus Day
- March 1-7 (floating Tuesday) - Town Meeting Day
- August 16 - Bennington Battle Day
Virginia
- See also: Code of Virginia, legal holidays
- All federal holidays
- January 12-18 (floating Friday) - Lee-Jackson Day
- February 15-21 (floating Monday) - The federal holiday Washington's Birthday is recognized as "George Washington Day".
- November 21-27 (floating Wednesday) - day before Thanksgiving, commencing at noon
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving
- December 24 - Christmas Eve
Wake Island
- All federal holidays except Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- 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 Thanksgiving are celebrated as they fall.
- March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
- March 22-April 25 (floating Sunday using Computus) - Easter (listed to account for park closing, which normally opens Sundays)
- April 13-15 - Songkran Festival
- December 31 - New Year's Eve
Washington
- See also: Washington State Holidays
- All federal holidays except Columbus Day
West Virginia
- See also: West Virginia State Holidays
- All federal holidays
- June 20 - West Virginia Day
- November 2-8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day / Susan B. Anthony Day (even numbered years only),
- November 23-29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving
- December 24 - Christmas Eve (See note below)
- December 31 - New Years Eve (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
- See also: State of Wisconsin Legal Holidays
- All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday and Columbus Day
- December 24 - Christmas Eve
- December 31 - New Year's Eve
- January 1 - New Years Day
Wisconsin Public School Observance Days
- See also: Wisconsin Public School Observance Days
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 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday
- February 15 - Susan B. Anthony Day
- February 22 - Washington's Birthday
- March 4 - Casimir Pulaski Day
- March 17 - "The Great Hunger" in Ireland
- April 9 - Prisoners of War Remembrance Day
- April 13 - American's Creed Day
- April 19 - Patriots' Day
- April 22 - Environmental Awareness Day
- April 29 - Arbor Day
- June 14 - Robert La Follette Sr. Day
- September 16 - Mildred Fish Harnack Day
- September 16 - Wisconsin Day
- September 17 - Constitution Day
- September 18 - POW-MIA Recognition Day
- September 23 - Bullying Awareness Day
- September 28 - Francis Willard Day
- October 9 - Leif Erikson Day
- October 12 - Columbus Day
- November 11 - Veterans Day
Wyoming
- See also: Wyoming State Holidays
- All federal holidays
- January 15-21 (floating Monday) - renamed Martin Luther King, Jr. / Wyoming Equality Day
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. ^ a. For example, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is known officially as Martin Luther King, Jr./Civil Rights Day in Arizona, and New Hampshire, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert E. Lee's Birthdays in Arkansas, Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Florida, and Maryland, Martin Luther King Jr. / Idaho Human Rights Day in Idaho, and Martin Luther King's and Robert E. Lee's Birthdays in Mississippi. ^ b. Washington's Birthday is known officially as President's Day in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Maryland, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming, Washington-Lincoln Day in Colorado (CRS 24-11-101), Ohio, Lincoln/Washington/Presidents' Day in Arizona, George Washington's Birthday and Daisy Gatson Bates Day in Arkansas, Presidents' Day in Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Vermont, Washington's Birthday/President's Day in Maine, Presidents Day in Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, and Oregon, Lincoln's and Washington's Birthday in Montana, Washington and Lincoln Day in Utah, and George Washington Day in Virginia. ^ The day after Thanksgiving is observed in lieu of Columbus Day in Minnesota. ^ Columbus Day is listed as a state holiday in New Hampshire although state offices remain open. ^ 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.
Legal holidays observed nationwide
- January 1 - New Year's Day
- May 25-31 (floating Monday) - Memorial Day
- Known officially as National Memorial Day in Alabama,
- and Memorial Day / Decoration Day in Idaho.
- Observed with Jefferson Davis' Birthday, and known officially as National Memorial Day / Jefferson Davis' Birthday, in Mississippi.
- July 4 - Independence Day
- September 1-7 (floating Monday) - Labor Day
- November 11 - Veterans Day
- Known officially as Armistice Day in Mississippi.
- November 22-28 (floating Thursday) - Thanksgiving
- December 25 - Christmas
Holidays with religious, cultural or historical significance
The religious and cultural holidays in the United States is 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. A majority of Americans report that religion plays a "very important" role in their lives, a proportion unique among developed nations.
The majority of Americans (73-80%) identify themselves as Christians and about 15-20% have no religious affiliation. According to the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) (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. The same survey says that other religions (including, for example, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism) 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.
Confederate States of America
The following memorialize the historic Confederate States of America from the American Civil War:
- Confederate Memorial Day is a public holiday observed by the U.S. states of Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, 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 Confederate Heroes Day.
- 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.
- Robert E. Lee Day (on or around Lee's Jan. 19 birthday) is observed in Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida.
- Arkansas combined the observance of Robert E. Lee Day with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in 1985. 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.
- Lee-Jackson Day 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 Jackson's name was added to the holiday in 1904. The holiday is currently observed on the Friday before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Drinking holidays
According to the National Institutes of Health, about 86% of the U.S. 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 holiday lack any official status, these holidays are generally observed by the drinking culture for the fact that these holidays revolve around drinking. One measurement of the popularity of these holidays can be measured by the amount of alcohol purchased for the occasion. One particular survey names New Years Eve as the holiday for 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
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. Kwanzaa, 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. 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 Martin Luther King, Jr. was honored.
Christian holidays
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 Christmas, but with a relatively small exception. For example, convenience stores operating on less than 5,000 square feet of space such as 7-Eleven and CVS Pharmacy can remain open. A reference in 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
According to some sources, the Hindu holidays of Diwali and Holi are commonly celebrated as a "mainstream" holiday throughout the United States, not only by Indian Americans or peoples of Indian descent. 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. Holi, the "festival of colors" has inspired a Broadway musical based on this festival. New York City Council has voted on a resolution that may make Diwali and Holi a legal holiday in Resolution 1863-2013. As of August 2013, the resolution has passed and the holidays are now officially legal 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
According to various sources, the three most commonly celebrated Jewish holidays are Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah. Passover and Yom Kippur in addition to Rosh Hashannah and Hanukkah are recognized as an optional state level holiday in the U.S. state of Texas All Jewish holidays start the night before, as that is when the Jewish day begins.
Islamic holidays
According to various sources, the major 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 the U.S. states of New York and Michigan (mainly Dearborn) may begin to close in observance of all Muslim holidays.
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); 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.
Other notable holidays
- 420 (April 20th; counterculture holiday in which participants meet and consume cannabis)
- Black Friday (busy shopping day where stores lower prices the Friday after Thanksgiving, traditionally the start of the Christmas shopping season)
- Cricket World Cup 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.
- Cyber Monday (the equivalent of Black Friday, except online, the Monday after Black Friday)
- Free Comic Book Day (an annual promotional effort started in 2002 to bring in new consumers to independent comic book stores, takes place the first Saturday in May)
- Go Skateboarding Day (June 21)
- International Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19): a tongue-in-cheek holiday celebrating Pirate culture
- Oktoberfest (celebrated most often in areas with contemporary or historic populations of German heritage)
- Opening Day (first week of April; the beginning of the Major League Baseball season and an unofficial indication that summer is approaching)
- Pi Day (March 14) (on March 14 for the beginning of pi, 3.14)
- Small Business Saturday (day after Black Friday; encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local)
- Spring break (one week in late winter or early spring that schools are off)
- State Patty's Day (the Penn State University alternative to St. Patrick's Day due to the holiday falling on spring break)
- Summer vacation (summer months in which schools are off)
- Super Bowl Sunday (the first 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)
- Super Tuesday (political event, quadrennial)
- Tax Day (federal and state tax deadline, April 15; or if on weekend or holiday, next closest Monday or business day)
- Tax Freedom Day (day in which an average citizen is said to have worked enough to pay his or her taxes for the year)
See also
- United States federal observances
- Holidays in Puerto Rico
- Mexican fiestas in the United States
- Easter controversy
- Christmas controversy
- Hallmark holiday
- Tax holiday
- Work-life balance in the United States
References
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
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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