In 2025, Patriots' Day will be observed on Monday, April 21. This date is determined by its official designation as the third Monday in April. The holiday is formally recognized with civic and public office closures in the states of Massachusetts and Maine.
The observance commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which took place on April 19, 1775, marking the start of the American Revolutionary War. While originally celebrated on the fixed date of April 19, Massachusetts and Maine shifted the observance to the third Monday in April in 1969 and 2009, respectively. This change was made to create a three-day weekend, following the principle of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Other states, such as Wisconsin and Connecticut, also recognize the day, though official observances vary.
The most prominent contemporary event associated with this holiday is the Boston Marathon, which has been held on Patriots' Day each year since 1897. The timing of the marathon is intrinsically linked to the holiday's date, making it a key event for both local commemorations and the international athletic community. Consequently, the third Monday in April is a date of significant practical and cultural importance in the region.
