Public holidays in the United States

Public holidays in the United States
Name	Public holidays in the United States
Observedby	United States
Type	National and subnational observance
Significance	National commemoration and celebration
Frequency	Annual

Public holidays in the United States provide dates for national remembrance, celebration, and civic observance. Federal statutes, state codes, municipal ordinances, proclamations by the President of the United States, and decrees by governors and mayors determine when public offices close and when ceremonies occur. These observances intersect with labor practices, United States Department of Labor regulations, cultural life in cities like New York City and Los Angeles, and traditions originating from figures such as George Washington and events including the American Revolutionary War.

Overview

The calendar of public holidays combines federally recognized days codified by Congress, state-declared holidays enacted by legislatures in places like California and Texas, and local observances in jurisdictions such as Chicago and Philadelphia. Observances often honor persons—Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Christopher Columbus—or events—Independence Day (United States), Veterans Day, Memorial Day (United States), Thanksgiving (United States)—and sometimes derive from international precedents like Labor Day related to International Workers' Day movements. Agencies including the United States Postal Service, Federal Reserve System, and executive offices follow the federal list, while employers and unions such as the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations negotiate paid time off.

Federal holidays

Federal holidays are set by statutes such as the Uniform Monday Holiday Act amendments and codified in Title 5 of the United States Code. The list includes New Year's Day (United States), Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day (United States), Juneteenth, Independence Day (United States), Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving (United States), and Christmas Day. The United States Congress and presidents like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson have shaped the schedule; for example, Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a federal holiday after advocacy by figures including Coretta Scott King and support from legislators such as Representative John Conyers. Federal recognition affects institutions including the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Defense, and has implications for private employers and workers represented by unions like the AFL–CIO.

State and local observances

States exercise autonomy: Alabama observes Confederate-related commemorations, while Hawaii recognizes local figures like Kamehameha I Day. States and territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam maintain additional holidays honoring events like Discovery of Puerto Rico and Guam Liberation Day. Cities and counties may proclaim days for local personalities—San Francisco celebrates events connected to Harvey Milk—and municipal closures vary for institutions like public schools in Boston or courts in Atlanta. Legislative bodies including state legislatures and governors such as those of Florida and New York State enact statutes or executive orders creating or modifying observances, sometimes responding to advocacy from organizations such as the Sierra Club or cultural institutions like the Smithsonian Institution.

Religious and cultural holidays

Religious communities and cultural groups observe holidays beyond the federal list: Jewish congregations celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in synagogues like Beth Israel, while Christian denominations mark Easter, Good Friday, and feasts for saints in parishes such as St. Patrick's Cathedral (New York). Muslim communities observe Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha at mosques like Islamic Center of America, and Hindu communities celebrate Diwali at temples such as Sri Venkateswara Temple (Pittsburgh). Ethnic festivals—Chinese New Year in San Francisco Chinatown, Cinco de Mayo in Los Angeles, Juneteenth celebrations in Houston—are organized by cultural organizations including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and heritage societies. Universities like Harvard University and cultural centers such as the Kennedy Center often schedule programming reflecting these observances.

Holiday observance and economic impact

Closures for holidays affect commerce in sectors represented by groups such as the Chamber of Commerce and retailers like Walmart and Target. Transportation agencies—the Federal Aviation Administration, Amtrak, and municipal transit authorities—adjust schedules, while markets like the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ follow holiday calendars that influence trading volume. Tourism economies in destinations such as Las Vegas and Orlando see spikes during holiday periods, and hospitality employers negotiate staffing with labor organizations including the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. Public finance entities such as state treasuries and municipal budgets account for holiday-related overtime, and researchers at institutions like the National Bureau of Economic Research analyze productivity and spending shifts tied to observances.

Historical development and legislative process

The evolution of U.S. public holidays reflects political, social, and legislative dynamics involving actors such as the United States Senate and the House of Representatives, presidents from George Washington to Joe Biden, and movements led by figures including Susan B. Anthony and Ida B. Wells. Early federal observances grew from proclamations by presidents like George Washington and statutory enactments in the 19th century; later reforms included the Uniform Monday Holiday Act influenced by labor advocates and commerce interests. Passage of holidays—such as Juneteenth National Independence Day signed into law by President Joe Biden—involves committees like the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, lobbying from civic groups, and negotiation among state officials. Judicial opinions from courts including the Supreme Court of the United States have occasionally intersected with disputes over religious accommodations and employment rights related to holiday observance.

Category:Public holidays in the United States