You may have seen the hashtag Presidents’ Day trending on social media and you cannot help but wonder what the fuss is all about.
Well, relax, by the time you read this article to the end, there is nothing about this special day that you wouldn’t know.
This special day is a federal holiday observed annually in the United States of America (USA) on the third Monday of February.
Presidents Day 2025 falls on February 17.
Originally honouring George Washington, this day now celebrates both Washington and Lincoln.
Schools, banks, and federal offices close, but most stores remain open.
About The Presidents Day
Officially recognised as Washington’s Birthday, this federal holiday was originally established to honour George Washington, the first U.S. president.
Washington was born on February 11, 1731, under the Julian calendar. However, when Britain and its colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, his birth date shifted to February 22, 1732.
Over time, the holiday also came to honour President Abraham Lincoln, born on February 12.
The positioning of the holiday between Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays led to the widely used name, Presidents Day.
How Presidents Day Become A Federal Holiday?
In 1885, Congress designated February 22 as a holiday for all federal workers.
Later, in 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved it to the third Monday of February to create long weekends and reduce midweek disruptions.
The tradition of honouring Washington’s birthday began long before it became a federal holiday.
In 1832, Congress adjourned to commemorate Washington’s 130th birth anniversary. By 1879, Congress officially added February 22 to the list of holidays observed by federal employees in Washington, D.C.
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In 1885, it became a paid holiday for all federal workers.
To date, the Senate continues the tradition of reading Washington’s Farewell Address on Presidents Day.
What’s open and closed on Presidents’ Day?
Since Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday, various institutions and services will have altered schedules.
The following closures and openings are expected:
Closed: Federal government offices, courts, the United States Postal Service, banks, and stock markets.
Open: Most retail stores, supermarkets, and restaurants. Many retailers will offer major sales events, making Presidents’ Day a significant shopping holiday.
Public Transportation: Many transit systems will operate on a modified schedule, with reduced service in some areas.
Who Gets the Day Off?
As a federal holiday, Presidents Day is observed by federal government employees, meaning most federal offices, banks, and post offices will be closed.
Schools and local businesses may have varying schedules, while most retail stores remain open.
