Patriots' Day is a civic holiday observed annually in Massachusetts, Maine, and Wisconsin, commemorating the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which occurred on April 19, 1775, marking the start of the American Revolutionary War. For the year 2026, Patriots' Day will be observed on Monday, April 20, 2026, as the holiday is legislatively set to fall on the third Monday of April.
The observance of Patriots' Day serves to remember the valor and sacrifice of the colonial militias during these pivotal engagements. Historically, Paul Revere's ride and the "shot heard 'round the world" at Lexington Green are central to the holiday's narrative, symbolizing the colonists' nascent resistance to British rule. In Massachusetts, the holiday is closely associated with the Boston Marathon, which is traditionally run on this day, creating a unique intersection of historical remembrance and contemporary athletic achievement. While not a federal holiday, its regional significance is profound, fostering a deep connection to the origins of American independence.
As a state holiday, Patriots' Day in April 2026 will result in the closure of state and municipal offices, schools, and some businesses in the aforementioned states. Its observance underscores the ongoing importance of civic education and historical memory, particularly in New England, where the events it commemorates directly transpired, reinforcing a strong regional identity tied to the foundational moments of the United States.
