Maha Montessori

Read Across America Day
2026-03-02
Many people in the United States, particularly students, parents and teachers, join forces on Read Across America Day, annually held on the first school day closest to March 2. This nationwide observance coincides with the birthday of Dr Seuss on March 2, who is known for writing children’s books.
Is Read Across America Day a Public Holiday?
Read Across America Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours.
What Do People Do?
Read Across America Day promotes reading, particularly for children and young adults. Many schools, libraries, and community centers across the United States participate in the day by bringing people together to take part in reading books. Various reading activities and events are held across the country on this day. For example, some students take part in a Read Across America channel designed to showcase student and educator videos around the country. Others make reading pledges, organize book fairs, or read aloud to groups of people.
Public Life
Read Across America Day an observance and is not a federal public holiday in the United States.
Background
In 1997 an organization known as the National Education Association (NEA), pushed for a special day to celebrate reading throughout the United States. This idea proved to be a popular one so it was not long before the first Read Across America Day was held on March 2, 1998. This nationwide observance coincides with the birthday of Dr Seuss (Geisel), an American writer best known writing children’s books. Some of his books include Green Eggs and Ham, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, and The Cat in the Hat.
The NEA represents about 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers. It provides resources and activities for educators, parents, and children.
Symbols
Read Across America calendars and other promotional material for Read Across America Day show images of activities associated with reading, learning, literacy and other elements of education.

Holi
2026-03-03
Holi (Dolyatra, Doul Jatra, Basanta-Utsav) is the Hindu festival colors that celebrates the triumph of good over evil, good harvest, and fertility. It usually falls in the later part of February or March.
Is Holi a Public Holiday?
Holi is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours.
What Do People Do?
Holi is celebrated over two days in many areas, while other areas may celebrate it for longer periods. The festival loosens the normal social restrictions by bringing people together not based on sex, status, and/or age. A public bonfire is usually held between 10pm and midnight to commemorate the burning of Holika on the first evening of Holi. Many sing and dance in the street while other are shouting, cursing and causing general mayhem during the bonfire event.
Millions of Hindus around the world celebrate Holi with a community festival. Many visit each other’s homes to distribute sweets and greet each other. Men, women, adult and children all take part in dances and other cultural programs during Holi. People dress in pure white and gather together in a common place to color each other with gulal, which are colored powders and other form of dyes. A popular activity is the throwing of water balloons at one another, sometimes called lola.
Public Life
Holi is a restricted holiday in India, so government offices and most businesses remain open. Individuals have the flexibility to take time off to celebrate the holiday if they choose. It is not a nationwide public holiday in countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States but some cities may hold large celebrations for the occasion.
Background
Holi was first celebrated as an agricultural festival celebrating the arrival of spring but has now evolved into a time when everyone throws off the gloom of winter and rejoices in the colors and liveliness of spring. The day observes the various events in Hindu mythology and disregards the social norms by participating in the festivities.
Holi is accompanied by many legends but there are two stories that serve as the origin of Holi traditions. The story of Krishna and Radha is said to be the basis for the ritual of throwing and applying colored water and powder. According to legend, the young Krishna complained to his mother, Yashoda that Radha was so fair and he was so dark. Yashoda advised him to apply color to Radha’s face and see how her complexion would change. Thus, Holi is now become a festival of colors not only to celebrate the coming of spring but also to disregard social norms and to focus on enjoying the festivities.
Another legend behind Holi is that an evil king tried to kill his son, Prahalada, a devoted follower of the god Vishnu. The king, Hiranyakashipu, challenged Prahalada to sit on a pyre and asked (though some believed she was forced) his sister, Holika, who the king believed was immune to fire, to sit with his son in the fire. When the fire started, everyone watched as Holika burned to death, but Prahalada survived without any injuries due to his devotion to Vishnu. According to some accounts, Holika begged Prahalada for forgiveness before her death, so he promised that the burning of Holika would be remembered every year at Holi.
Symbols
The bonfire represents the burning of Holika, the triumph of good over evil. All of the dead leaves, twigs and dirt that is collected during the winter month, is thrown into the fire to symbolize the evil spirits. The ashes from the bonfire are believed to provide protection against diseases. Different colored powder or gulal, oils and water represent the arrival of spring and its vibrant colors.
Note: It is not possible to mention every activity that takes place on this occasion as celebrations vary in different regions. However, this article provides a general overview of the main celebrations that usually occur during this event. Moreover, the date in which it is celebrated may vary depending on locations and calendar interpretations.

Purim
2026-03-03
Purim, or the Festival of Lots, is a joyous holiday that celebrates the Biblical story of the rescue of the Jews in ancient Persia.
Is Purim a Public Holiday?
Purim is not a public holiday in the United States. Some Jewish-run organizations are closed.
When Is Purim?
The holiday of Purim is observed on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar (or Adar II in Leap Years) in the Hebrew calendar.Purim falls in February or March in the Gregorian calendar.
Divine Intervention
According to the Megillah (the Book of Esther), Purim celebrates the miraculous rescue of the Jewish people from a plot to destroy their community in a single day during the fifth century BCE.
The narrative says that the villain of the story, the Prime Minister of the Persian Empire, known as Haman, had thrown lots (a practice of casting pebbles or drawing straws to determine divine will) to choose the day to carry out his murderous plan against the Jews. The Hebrew word Purim translates as “lots” in ancient Persian.
Purim recalls the divinely-assisted intervention of Esther, the Jewish wife of Persian King Ahasuerus, on behalf of her people. According to the Torah, thanks to her actions, the ruler was swayed to revoke the order to kill the Jews. Haman was then executed and, for a while, the Jews of the area enjoyed the protection of the crown.
Carnival for the Kids
After the reading of the story of Purim in the synagogue, it’s common for the temple to host a carnival with prizes and games for children.
Kids (and some adults) wear colorful costumes, often dressed as biblical characters like Mordechai (or Mordecai), a Jewish advisor to the King of Persia, and the heroic Queen Esther.
A children’s Purim spiel (play) is often part of the fun. These shows can include song parodies that take a satiric look at modern life, and weave elements of the Purim story into the plot. Every time Haman´s name is spoken during these plays, children crank special noisemakers to boo the villain.
Gift Giving and Hamantashen
Two important Purim traditions are for friends to exchange gifts of food, and to make donations to the poor.
On the Purim table, triangle-shaped dishes are traditionally served at holiday parties to remind the worshippers of the legendary shape of Haman’s hat.
One favorite on the holiday menu is a three-cornered pastry called hamantaschen, filled with apricot jam, prunes, or poppy seeds. Another popular dish is kreplach, which are triangular dumplings served in chicken soup.
Walled Cities Have Their Own Date
Jews around the globe celebrate Purim on the 14th of Adar, with a fascinating exception. People who live in walled cities such as Jerusalem celebrate a day later.
This is to honor the Jews of the ancient walled city of Shushan, who were in battle on that first Purim day, and so had delay the celebration by 24 hours. Today, only Jerusalem celebrates Purim on the 15th of Adar.
Jewish Holidays Last Longer Outside of Israel
In the Jewish diaspora—Jewish communities outside of Israel—an extra day is usually added to religious observances, with the exception of Yom Kippur, which lasts only one day worldwide, and Rosh Hashana, which is celebrated over two days in both Israel and the diaspora.
This custom has its roots in ancient times when the beginning of the months in the Jewish calendar still relied on the sighting of the crescent Moon following a New Moon.
The beginning of a new month was determined by the Sanhedrin, the supreme court of ancient Israel in Jerusalem. Once the date was published, messengers were dispatched to spread the news among Jews living abroad. Since this process took some time, it was decreed that Jews outside of ancient Israel were to observe every holiday for two days to make sure that the rules and customs applicable to each holiday were observed on the proper date. This rule is still observed today.

Employee Appreciation Day
2026-03-06
Bosses across the United States have the chance to support, thank and reward workers on Employee Appreciation Day on the first Friday in March.
Is Employee Appreciation Day a Public Holiday?
Employee Appreciation Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours.
Appreciate your staff
Employee Appreciation Day is a non-official day and there’s no real authority on what needs to be done, but if you’re a boss and want to show your team just how much you appreciate them, you could try out some of these ideas:

Treat your staff to breakfast, lunch or snacks.
Host an office party or an after-work get-together for your staff.
Give workers some of the day off.
Organize an outdoor team building exercise, like a tug-of-war or an fun office quiz.
Take fun pictures and post them on the company social media pages to show the world just how much you care!

What’s Open or Closed?
Businesses carry on as usual on Employee Appreciation Day. It is an observance in the US, but not a public holiday.
Good people are hard to find
Known in the US as the “Guru of Thank You”, Dr. Bob Nelson, a founding member of the Recognition Professionals International (RPI) (previously NAER- National Association for Employee Recognition), had the honor of kick starting the first Employee Appreciation Day in 1995.
Training new staff is costly, and employers use all manners of techniques to boost worker morale and help retain employees and their valuable expertise. Employee Recognition is a large industry in its own right, and there are university studies dedicated to organizational behavior all over the world.

Daylight Saving Time starts
2026-03-08
Also called Spring Forward.
Most of the United States observes daylight saving time (DST), the practice of setting the clock forward by one hour when there is longer daylight during the day, so that evenings have more daylight and mornings have less. Exceptions include Arizona (except for the Navajo, who do observe daylight saving time in the Navajo Nation), Hawaii, and the territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established a uniform set of rules for states opting to observe daylight saving time.
In the U.S., daylight saving time starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November, with the time changes taking place at 2:00 a.m. local time. With a mnemonic word play referring to seasons, clocks “spring forward, fall back”—that is, in springtime the clocks are moved forward from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. and in fall they are moved back from 2:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Daylight saving time lasts for a total of 34 weeks (238 days) every year, about 65% of the entire year.

Lailat al-Qadr
2026-03-15
Laylat al Qadr is also known as the Night of Power or the Night of Destiny. It commemorates when Koran (Qur’an) was revealed to the prophet Muhammad (also known as Mohammad). Muslims in the United States celebrate the event, also spelled as Laylat al-Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr, on one of the last 10 days of the Islamic month of Ramadan.
Is Lailat al-Qadr a Public Holiday?
Although Lailat al-Qadr is not a public holiday, businesses and schools may be closed because it falls on the same date as Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Day in 2025, which is a public holiday in Hawaii.
What Do People Do?
Laylat al Qadr marks the time when the Koran’s first verses were revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammed. It is also believed that this night marks their fate in the following year. Therefore, many Muslims pray in the night to God for mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. This practice is also called Ehyaa.
This “Night of Power” is considered the most appropriate time of the entire year to pray for salvation and blessings. It is believed that a Muslim’s past sins are forgiven if the person prays throughout this night. Many people assemble at mosques during the Isha’ prayer, with many prayers being made until midnight.
Public Life
Laylat al-Qadr is not a federal public holiday in the United States. However, many Islamic organizations and businesses may alter their opening hours and there may be some congestion around mosques, particularly in the evening and at night.
Background
Laylat al Qadr commemorates the night in 610 CE when Allah revealed the Koran (Islamic holy book) to the prophet Muhammad. The angel Gabriel first spoke to the prophet during that time, which marked the beginning of Muhammed’s mission. These revelations continued throughout the remainder of his life, according to Islamic belief.
Children begin studying the Koran from an early age and they celebrate the moment when they have read all the chapters for the first time. Many adults try to memorize the Koran. This day is also known as the Night of Power or the Night of Destiny.
There is a difference of opinion about the date for Laylat al-Qadr but, in general, it is agreed that it is most likely to be in the last 10 nights of Ramadan, with the odd nights being more likely. Of the odd nights, the night of the 27th (which is the night before the 27th of Ramadan, as the Islamic day starts with nightfall) is most likely, according to many Muslim scholars.
The Prophet Mohammad spent long periods, particularly during Ramadan, meditating about the world around him and looking for help to guide his people away from the moral evils and idolatry. On some occasions, he traveled to the Cave of Hira, a small cave in the hills near Mecca, now in Saudi Arabia. It is believed that at some point, probably in 610 CE, he received the Koran’s first verses from God.
Laylat al-Qadr marks the anniversary of this date. However, it is unclear as to exactly when the revelations occurred. Hence many Muslims regard all of the last ten days of Ramadan as particularly holy and make an effort to visit a mosque and to read the Koran in this period.

St. Patrick's Day
2026-03-17
St Patrick’s Day, on March 17, remembers one of Ireland’s patron saints, St Patrick. It largely celebrates Irish-American culture in the United States.
Is St. Patrick’s Day a Public Holiday?
Although St. Patrick’s Day is not a public holiday, businesses and schools may be closed because it falls on the same date as Evacuation Day in 2025, which is a public holiday in Massachusetts.
Celebrate St Patrick’s Day
Celebrations concentrate on Irish themed parties, drinks and food. Many people get into the spirit by dressing in green clothing and eating green colored food. Irish clubs and pubs often hold parties or have special deals. Large street parades mark St Patrick’s Day in places like:

Savannah
Chicago
Boston
Houston
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Denver
Detroit
Toronto
New York
New Orleans
Seattle

Water is dyed green in public places in some towns. The most notable body of water that was dyed green was the Chicago River in 2005.
What’s Open or Closed?
St Patrick’s Day is not a federal holiday in the United States. Schools, businesses and organizations are open as usual. Public transport systems run on their regular schedules. There may be some local disruption to traffic due to St Patrick’s Day parades. This is particularly true in cities with a large Irish-American population, including New York, New Orleans and Seattle. The parades may be on or around March 17, so it is a good idea to check local sources for the exact location, date and time.
About St Patrick’s Day
St Patrick is one of Ireland’s patron saints and many Americans with Irish ancestry remember him on March 17. Patrick’s Day is fixed on March 17, but may occasionally be moved by Catholic Church authorities. This happened in 1940, so that the celebrations would not fall on Palm Sunday, and in 2008 to avoid Holy Monday, the last Monday before Easter Sunday.
Symbols
The most common St Patrick’s Day symbol is the shamrock. The shamrock is the leaf of the clover plant and a symbol of the Holy Trinity. Other symbols include:

Almost anything green.
The green, orange and white flag of the Republic of Ireland.
Brands of beer associated with Irish culture.

Religious symbols include snakes and serpents. Other symbols seen on St Patrick’s Day include the harp, which was used in Ireland for centuries, as well as the leprechaun and a pot of gold that it hides.

Eid al-Fitr
2026-03-20
Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It’s a festive occasion and one of the major observances in the Islamic calendar.
Is Eid al-Fitr a Public Holiday?
Eid al-Fitr is not a public holiday in the US. Businesses have normal opening hours. However, public schools in some areas close on the day.
Celebrating the End of Ramadan
On the day of Eid al-Fitr (also spelled Eid ul Fitr), Muslims in the United States and worldwide mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is observed on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal.
People celebrate having accomplished the Ramadan fast (sawm), one of the most important and challenging religious duties for Muslims. This is why the holiday is also called the Festival of Breaking the Fast. It is thought of as Allah’s (God’s) reward for completing the task.
A Big Deal for US Muslims
More than 3 million Muslims live in the United States, and for them, Eid al-Fitr is one of the biggest celebrations of the year.
In the country’s Muslim communities, you are likely to see people dressed up nicely, congregating for communal prayer, hugging each other, enjoying a festive meal together, and wishing each other Eid Mubarak (Happy Eid).
Prayer, Charity, and Sweet Dishes
So, how exactly do American Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr? With Muslims from so many different backgrounds residing in the US, Eid customs vary from one community and family to the next—but there are some common features.
Eid Prayer
The day of Eid usually starts with communal prayer at the local mosque or another communal space, led by the local Imam. In cities with a sizeable Muslim population, such as New York and Philadelphia, people may congregate in parks or other public spaces.
In Washington DC, the Capitol Hill lawn has traditionally been a place where thousands of worshippers gather during Eid.
Zakat al-Fitr
Muslims are expected to give to charity on the occasion of Eid. This can be a donation of food or money to the poor to enable them to take part in Eid celebrations. Several organizations in the US also offer the option to make online donations.
Food
As a culmination of a month-long fast, a festive meal with a range of mouthwatering dishes is one of the most cherished features of Eid. In fact, the Quran forbids fasting on this day.
In each family, the food usually reflects the cultural background and unique family traditions. Many US Muslims are culturally linked to Arab countries in the Middle East and Africa.
But no matter the culture, many of the dishes served on Eid al-Fitr are sweet, so the occasion is also known as the Sugar Feast.
Gifts
A favorite among children, Eidi or Eidiya is the tradition of exchanging gifts on Eid al-Fitr. The Hadith, a collection of texts about the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, states: “Give gifts to one another, you will love each other.”
Presidential Eid Greeting
The US president traditionally issues an official Eid greeting. They may also visit a mosque or hold a festive dinner at the White House to mark the occasion.
Eid Celebrations Can Span up to Three Days
Each year, in the run-up to Eid, Muslims across the US agree to disagree on the question: when is Eid?
Eid al-Fitr happens on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. In the western Gregorian calendar, the holiday falls about 11 days earlier each year.
However, the beginning of each Islamic month and the dates of Muslim holidays are determined by Moon sightings. A new month begins when the Crescent Moon is spotted in the evening sky after the New Moon phase. But the rules of what constitutes a valid sighting vary. So, some communities may celebrate two days, sometimes even three days, before or after other communities. Still, within each community, Eid usually only lasts for one day.
Initiated by Prophet Muhammad
Scholars generally agree that Prophet Muhammad introduced the feast, although the timing is debated. According to some traditions, he initiated both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha after his journey (Hijrah) from Mecca (Makkah) to Medina in 622 CE.
Islam in the USA
The Muslim community in the USA is the largest in North America. About 3.5 million Muslims are estimated to live in the United States, making Islam the country’s third-largest religion.
Islam has been a part of American culture since the 19th century, a result of the slave trade of the antebellum period. Historians estimate that up to one in three slaves brought to North America was a Muslim.

March Equinox
2026-03-20
There are two equinoxes every year: one in March and one in September. In March, the Sun crosses the equator from south to north.
Sun Crosses Celestial Equator
The March equinox is the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator—an imaginary line in the sky above Earth’s equator—from south to north. This happens on March 19, 20, or 21 every year.
Why Does the Sun Move North and South?
During the course of a year, the subsolar point—the spot on the Earth’s surface directly beneath the Sun—slowly moves along a north-south axis. Having reached its southernmost point at the December solstice, it starts moving northward until it crosses the equator on the day of the March equinox. The June solstice marks the northernmost point of its journey.
The subsolar point moves north and south during the year because the Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of about 23.4° in relation to the ecliptic, an imaginary plane created by Earth’s path around the Sun. In June, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, and the subsolar point is north of the equator. As the Earth travels toward the opposite side of its orbit, which it reaches in December, the Southern Hemisphere gradually receives more sunlight, and the subsolar point travels south.
Why Is It Called “Equinox?”
On the days of the equinoxes, the Earth’s axis is perpendicular to the Sun’s rays, meaning that all regions on Earth receive about the same number of hours of sunlight. In other words, night and day are, in principle, the same length all over the world. This is the reason it’s called an “equinox,” derived from Latin, meaning “equal night.”
However, this is literal translation not entirely true. In reality, equinox days don’t have exactly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of dark.
The Equinoxes and the Seasons
The March and September equinoxes mark the beginning of the spring and autumn seasons on Earth, according to one definition. The equinox in March is the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of fall south of the equator.
Measuring the Tropical Year
The March equinox can be used to measure a tropical year, the mean time it takes for the Earth to complete a full orbit around the Sun. Also known as a solar year, a tropical year is approximately 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 45 seconds long. It can vary by up to 30 minutes each year.
Why Does the Date Vary?
The date of the equinoxes and solstices varies because a year in our calendar does not exactly match the length of the tropical year—the time it takes the Earth to complete an orbit around the Sun.
Today’s Gregorian calendar has 365 days in a common year and 366 days in a leap year. However, our planet takes about 365.242199 days to orbit the Sun. This means that the timing of the equinoxes and solstices slowly drifts apart from the Gregorian calendar, and the solstice happens about 6 hours later each year. Eventually, the accumulated lag becomes so large that it falls on the following date.
To realign the calendar with the tropical year, a leap day is introduced (nearly) every four years. When this happens, the equinox and solstice dates shift back to the earlier date again.
Other factors influencing the timing of the equinoxes and solstices include variations in the length of a tropical year and in the orbital and daily rotational motion of the Earth, such as the “wobble” in the Earth’s axis (precession).

Spring Break
2026-03-23 - 2026-03-27
HAPPY SPRING BREAK
SCHOOL IS CLOSED
SEE YOU AFTER SPRING BREAK

Palm Sunday
2026-03-29
Many Christians in the United States remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. This day is also on the Sunday before Easter Sunday.
Is Palm Sunday a Public Holiday?
Palm Sunday is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday, April 13, 2025, and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in United States.
What Do People Do?
Programs of sacred music are performed in many towns and cities in the United States on Palm Sunday. They are often sponsored by and held in local churches but they may also be part of the musical community’s regular concert series. These programs usually begin on or before Palm Sunday and may continue throughout Holy Week. Bethany College’s Messiah Festival in Lindsborg, Kansas, has been held during Holy Week for more than 100 years.
Plays or pageants that focus on Holy Week themes are also performed on Palm Sunday. The Blessing of the Fleet in St Augustine, Florida, takes place on Palm Sunday each year. Shrimp trawlers and other fishing boats, as well as privately owned vessels, visit the town to receive a blessing. It is also customary for Christians to place blessed palm leaves in the shape of a cross behind religious images or statues in homes, stores and restaurants in the United States.
Public Life
Palm Sunday is not a federal holiday in the United States. However, it is held on a Sunday, which is a non-school day and non-working day for many Americans.
Background and Symbols
Palm Sunday is observed among many Christian churches as part of Holy Week in the United States. The term Pascua Florida, which in Spain originally referred to Palm Sunday, was later applied to the festive season of Easter Week. The state of Florida received its name when Ponce de Leon first sighted the land and named it in 1513 most likely because the date was around Easter.
Palm leaves symbolize victory and joy among many Christians in the United States. Some churches use silk plant leaves or substitute palm leaves with olive branches on Palm Sunday because palm leaves can be difficult to find in some areas in the United States.

Doctors' Day
2026-03-30
March 30 marks an important occasion in the world of health care—National Doctors’ Day. This annual observance serves as a moment to honor the dedication, skill and unwavering commitment of physicians in providing high-quality health care to individuals and communities worldwide.

Supporting Physicians

National Doctors’ Day is one way to acknowledge the hard work of our nations’ physicians who deserve support every day of the year.

National Doctors’ Day has a rich history dating back to 1933 when Charles B. Almond, MD, initiated the first celebration in Winder, Georgia. Since then, it has grown into a national event recognized and celebrated by health care organizations and institutions across the United States.
Physicians play a pivotal role in safeguarding and improving the well-being of patients. Their extensive education, training and expertise are essential in diagnosing and treating a vast array of medical conditions. Beyond their clinical roles, doctors contribute significantly to medical research, innovation and the continuous improvement of health care practices.
This day offers an opportunity for health care institutions and patients to express their gratitude and appreciation for the tireless efforts of physicians.

César Chávez Day
2026-03-31
César Chávez Day is observed in the United States on March 31 each year. It celebrates the birthday of César Estrada Chávez and it serves as a tribute to his commitment to social justice and respect for human dignity.
Is César Chávez Day a Public Holiday?
This is a state public holiday. State government offices are closed. Some schools and businesses may also be closed on this day.
What Do People Do?
César Chávez Day celebrations are held in many parts of the United States. It is a state holiday in California and an optional holiday in states such as Colorado and Texas but its celebrations go beyond these three states. Other states where celebrations and various activities occur in honor of César Chávez include Arizona, Michigan, Nebraska and New Mexico.
Key community leaders use this event to speak to the public about values that César Chávez showed in his lifetime and how they made a positive impact on society. Discussions, debates and media attention may focus on issues that he was actively involved with. These issues are relevant to Americans today and center on worker’s rights, fair wages, pension benefits, and medical coverage.
Many schools have classroom activities that focus on César Chávez’s achievements, writings and speeches on or close to César Chávez Day. Community and business breakfasts or luncheons are also held to honor César Chávez’s achievements and incite hope within American communities.
Public Life
César Chávez Day is a state holiday in California so government offices, educational institutions and many businesses are closed. State government offices in Colorado may grant requests for César Chávez Day in lieu of another holiday in the same fiscal year. However, government offices must be open. César Chávez Day is an optional state holiday in Texas.
Background
Chávez was born on March 31 in 1927. He was a migrant farm worker from the age of 10. He became active with the Community Service Organization, which helped fight racial and economic discrimination against Chicano residents.
Chávez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in the early 1960s. He focused attention on the plight of migrant farm workers and gained support to have his organization be the first successful farm workers’ union in the United States. He used principles of non-violence, with strikes and boycotts. César Chávez remained president of United Farm Workers of America (AFL-CIO) until his death on April 23, 1993.
Funding for César Chávez Day was temporarily suspended in California around 2004 due to problems with the budget in the state. The courts were divided about the holiday in 2005, where some legal staff workers attended work but the doors to court rooms and filing offices were locked. Current efforts are made to push for César Chávez Day to become a national holiday in the United States.
Symbols
Many schools, community centers and parks are named after César Chávez in the United States. For example, there is the César Chávez Elementary School in San Francisco. There is also a portrait of César Chávez in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC, as well as a statue of him at the University of Texas in Austin. César Chávez is listed in the California Hall of Fame and references have been made about him in songs by well-known musicians. He was also honored with a commemorative postage stamp that the United States Postal Service issued in 2003.

Passover Eve
2026-04-01
Note: Jewish holidays begin at sundown the day before the date specified for the holiday.
This is not a public holiday in the United States. Most businesses, schools, and offices are open and follow regular hours, but Jewish-run businesses and organizations might be closed.
For more info on Passover, click here.

Maundy Thursday
2026-04-02
Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, is a Christian observance in the United States. It is the day before Good Friday and takes place during Holy Week. It commemorates Jesus Christ’s last supper and the initiation of Holy Communion (the Eucharist), observed in many Christian churches.
Is Maundy Thursday a Public Holiday?
Maundy Thursday is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours.
What Do People Do?
Many Holy Thursday services, particularly in the Catholic churches, are held in the evenings and offer Communion (or Eucharist) to the congregation. Some priests or ministers wash parishioners’ feet in memory of the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. Holy oils are blessed to symbolize that the sacraments have their source in Jesus Christ, according to Christian belief. Hymns such as the Pange Lingua, Gloria, or Ubi Caritas, are usually sung in some church services during this time of the year.
Some churches offer a pot luck supper for congregation members after the Holy Thursday service. If donations are collected from the suppers, they usually go towards charitable causes. Holy Thursday serves as a time for some Christians to donate money to the poor. Some people also prepare a meal that includes roast lamb, bitter herbs and wine around this time of the year.
Public Life
Maundy Thursday is not a public holiday in the United States so schools, government offices and businesses are open. Public transport providers run to their usual schedules.
Background
Holy Thursday, or Maundy Thursday, commemorates the institution of the Eucharist, a Christian sacrament that involves consecrating (or making holy) bread and wine. The word Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, which, in English, simply means “mandate.” In the upper room (John 13–17), Jesus gave His disciples the new commandment (i.e., the new mandate) after washing their feet. This new commandment is found in John 13:31–35. Having set an example by washing their feet, the Lord Jesus told the Twelve: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

Passover (first day)
2026-04-02

Holy Saturday
2026-04-04
Many Christians in the United States observe Holy Saturday, which falls between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It commemorates the day when Jesus Christ lay in the tomb after his death, according to the Christian bible. It is also known as Easter Eve and is the last day of Lent.
Is Holy Saturday a Public Holiday?
Even though Holy Saturday falls on Saturday, April 19, 2025, it is a working day. Most businesses follow regular opening hours in United States.
What Do People Do?
Many Christians in the United States attend an Easter vigil service on Holy Saturday. They remember Holy Saturday as the day when Jesus lay in his tomb. An Easter candle is lit in some homes, particularly among families who cannot attend the Easter vigil services. Easter vigil prayers are also made on this day. Baptisms are held during some church services on Holy Saturday.
Many American families prepare for Easter Sunday celebrations on the Saturday before Easter. Children decorate eggs with paint, crayon, water colors, stickers and other material. These eggs are often placed in Easter baskets. Some people buy chocolate eggs to eat around this time of the year. Many people of Mexican descent who live in Los Angeles in California celebrate Holy Saturday with a colorful ceremony known as the Blessing of the Animals.
Public Life
Holy Saturday is not a federal public holiday in the United States.
Background
Holy Saturday is the last day of Holy Week and ends the season of Lent. It is also known as the Vigil of Easter. One interesting tradition that has been in the United States for a while is the Blessing of the Animals. It is a special tradition in Los Angeles, California, that began around 1930. The blessing was held on January 17, which is the day of San Antonio de Abad (St Anthony of the desert), in earlier times but cold weather promoted the date change. Animals that have been blessed as part of the ceremony have included cats, camels, cows, dogs, donkeys, goats, iguanas, monkeys, and snakes.
Symbols
Congregation members are sprinkled with blessed water in some churches in the United States. This blessed water symbolizes purification and baptism. Candles that are used for Easter vigil services represent the light of Jesus Christ, and that he brings light into darkness.

Easter Sunday
2026-04-05
any Christians celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. The Easter date depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox.
Is Easter Sunday a Public Holiday?
Easter Sunday is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday, April 20, 2025, and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in United States.
What Do People Do?
Many churches hold special services on Easter Sunday, which celebrate the Jesus Christ’s resurrection after his crucifixion. Many people also decorate eggs. These can be hard boiled eggs that can be eaten later, but may also be model eggs made of plastic, chocolate, candy or other materials. It is also common to organize Easter egg hunts. Eggs of some form are hidden, supposedly by a rabbit or hare. People, especially children, then search for them. In some areas, Easter egg hunts are a popular way for local businesses to promote themselves or may even be organized by churches.
Public Life
Easter Sunday is not a federal holiday but a number of stores are closed in many parts of the US and if they are open, they may have limited trading hours. In some cities, public transit systems usually run their regular Sunday schedule, but it is best to check with the local transport authorities if any changes will be implemented during Easter Sunday.
Background
In Pagan times, many groups of people organized spring festivals. Many of these celebrated the re-birth of nature, the return the land to fertility and the birth of many young animals. These are the origins of the Easter eggs that we still hunt for and eat.
In Christian times, the spring began to be associated with Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. The crucifixion is remembered on Good Friday and the resurrection is remembered on Easter Sunday. The idea of the resurrection joined with the ideas of re-birth in Pagan beliefs.
Symbols
For people with strong Christian beliefs, the cross that Jesus was crucified on and his resurrection are important symbols of the period around Easter. Other symbols of Easter include real eggs or eggs manufactured from a range of materials, nests, lambs and rabbits or hares. Sometimes these symbols are combined, for example, in candy models of rabbits with nests full of eggs. Eggs, rabbits, hares and young animals are thought to represent the re-birth and return to fertility of nature in the spring.

Easter Monday
2026-04-06
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday. It is not a federal holiday in the United States of America (USA). Some Easter traditions continue on the Easter Monday, such as the egg rolling race at the White House.
Is Easter Monday a Public Holiday?
Although Easter Monday is not a public holiday, businesses and schools may be closed because it falls on the same date as Patriots’ Day in 2025, which is a public holiday in Maine and Massachusetts.
What Do People Do?
Egg rolling races are held in the United States. There is a big race held on the lawn of the White House in Washington DC on Easter Monday. Sometimes even the President takes part in the “White House Easter Egg Roll”, which was hosted by the First Lady in 2007. Eggs are rolled down a hill or slope and there is a variety of activities, as well as food and entertainment, for families.
The White House Easter egg collection involves a tradition that began in 1994 where each state sends a decorated egg to the White House for display. Artists from across the United States created decorated eggs that represent each state and the District of Columbia. Each year the artists vote amongst themselves to select the artist to create the following year’s commemorative egg which is presented to the President and First Lady. The collection is coordinated by the American Egg Board.
Public Life
Easter Monday is not a federal holiday. Most aspects of public life are not any different to any other Monday. Public transit systems usually run their regular Monday schedule in many parts of the United States.
Though not largely observed in the United States, the day remains informally observed in some areas such as the state of North Dakota, where there is no school on Easter Monday, and some cities. Easter Monday was a public holiday in North Carolina from 1935 to 1987. Traditionally Polish-influenced areas such as Chicago observe Dyngus Day as well.
Background
The Easter date depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox.
In Pagan times, many groups of people organized spring festivals. Many of these celebrated the re-birth of nature, the return the land to fertility and the birth of many young animals. These are the origins of the Easter eggs that we still hunt for and eat.
In Christian times, the spring began to be associated with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The crucifixion is remembered on Good Friday and the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. The idea of the resurrection joined with the ideas of re-birth in Pagan beliefs.
Symbols
For people with strong Christian beliefs, the Cross, on which Jesus was crucified, and the Resurrection are important symbols of the period around Easter. Other symbols of Easter include real eggs or eggs manufactured from a range of materials, nests, lambs and rabbits or hares. Sometimes these symbols are combined, for example, in candy models of rabbits with nests full of eggs. Eggs, rabbits, hares and young animals are thought to represent the re-birth and return to fertility of nature in the spring.

Last Day of Passover
2026-04-09
Many Jewish communities in the United States mark the last day of Passover as the end of a Jewish holiday that celebrates the deliverance of Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Passover is also known as Pesah, Pesach, or the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
Is Last Day of Passover a Public Holiday?
This is not a public holiday in the United States. Most businesses, schools, and offices are open and follow regular hours, but Jewish-run businesses and organizations might be closed.
What Do People Do?
Passover lasts for up to eight days (or seven days among Reform Jewish groups). There are many Jewish people who adhere to most of the Sabbath observances during the last day of Passover. Some may take a holiday around this time of the year. It is also a time for Jewish people to recite special blessings or prayers, as well as visit a synagogue or listen to readings from the Torah and eat a ceremonial meal.
Many Jewish families in the United States eat a ceremonial meal known as the Seder, which involves telling the story of the exodus from Egypt as well as eating various symbolic foods, such as meat of the paschal lamb and bitter herbs (recalling the harsh life of slavery).
Public Life
None of the Passover days are federal holidays in the United States. However, many Jewish businesses and organizations are closed for some of the days or have restricted opening hours on others.
Background and symbols
Passover celebrates Jewish people’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It is one of the three pilgrim festivals. Passover is related to the Christian observances of Good Friday and Easter Sunday and the Islamic Day of Ashura. Read about other Jewish observances, such as Tu B’Shevat (Arbor Day), Purim, Yom HaShoah, Lag B’Omer, Shavuot, Tisha B’Av and Rosh Hashana.
Jewish Holidays Last Longer Outside of Israel
In the Jewish diaspora—Jewish communities outside of Israel—an extra day is usually added to religious observances, with the exception of Yom Kippur, which lasts only one day worldwide, and Rosh Hashana, which is celebrated over two days in both Israel and the diaspora.
This custom has its roots in ancient times when the beginning of the months in the Jewish calendar still relied on the sighting of the crescent Moon following a New Moon.
The beginning of a new month was determined by the Sanhedrin, the supreme court of ancient Israel in Jerusalem. Once the date was published, messengers were dispatched to spread the news among Jews living abroad. Since this process took some time, it was decreed that Jews outside of ancient Israel were to observe every holiday for 2 days to make sure that the rules and customs applicable to each holiday were observed on the proper date. This rule is still observed today.

Orthodox Good Friday
2026-04-10
Orthodox Christian churches in the United States generally observe Good Friday at a later date than the Good Friday date observed by many western churches. Good Friday focuses on Jesus Christ’s death, which is described in the Christian bible. The day is also known as Great Friday, Holy Friday, and Holy and Great Friday.
Is Orthodox Good Friday a Public Holiday?
Although Orthodox Good Friday is not a public holiday, businesses and schools may be closed because it falls on the same date as Good Friday in 2025, which is a public holiday in 11 states.
What Do People Do?
Great Friday is a strict day of fasting for many Greek Orthodox Christians in the United States. Some Orthodox churches begin observing Holy Friday on Thursday night where the liturgy’s main feature is the reading of 12 sections from the gospels, all of which are accounts of Jesus Christ’s passion. Other churches may have a Good Friday liturgy in the evening. Some priests remove icons of Jesus from crosses and wrap them in linen to reenact ancient burial rites.
Some Orthodox Bulgarian churches have special traditions, which include allowing people to pass under a table in the middle of the church and light a candle after the church bell rings. This ritual is believed to wash away one’s sins. Many families of the Orthodox Christian faith may spend time on Great Friday to decorate Easter eggs as part of the Easter preparations.
Public Life
Great Friday is not a federal public holiday in the United States. However parking conditions may be affected near churches where Great Friday liturgies are held, particularly in busy urban areas.
Background
Many Orthodox churches retained the Julian calendar after the Gregorian calendar was introduced in Europe in 1582. Therefore they often follow a different Easter date compared with many western churches. Easter holidays, such as Good Friday, are “moveable feasts” as these dates change according to calendar calculations.
There are different types of Orthodox churches that are well-established in the United States, including the Greek Hellenic Orthodox Church, the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, and the Russian Orthodox Church. The Russian Orthodox Church in North America can be traced back to the late 18th century, where a Russian church was built on Kodiak Island in Alaska during that period. Alaska was previously part of Russia until the United States bought the land. The number of Greek Orthodox churches grew as Greek immigration increased after the late 19th century in the United States.
Symbols
Many Orthodox Christian families prepare Easter eggs, which are beautifully decorated and often dyed red to symbolize the Jesus Christ’s blood.
About Orthodox Good Friday in Other Countries
Read more about Orthodox Good Friday.

Orthodox Holy Saturday
2026-04-11
Holy Saturday is the day when Jesus lay in his tomb after his death, according to Christian belief. Many Orthodox Christian churches in the United States often observe Holy Saturday at a later date than the Holy Saturday date observed by many western churches. Holy Saturday is also known as Holy and Great Saturday.
Is Orthodox Holy Saturday a Public Holiday?
Even though Orthodox Holy Saturday falls on Saturday, April 19, 2025, it is a working day. Most businesses follow regular opening hours in United States.
What Do People Do?
Many Orthodox Christians in the United States view Holy Saturday as the day of watchful expectation. The mourning period wanes and people wait for Easter Sunday, the day when Jesus was resurrected. Holy Communion can be received on Holy Saturday in some Orthodox churches in the United States.
Some churches hold a midnight liturgy between Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. The liturgy usually starts out in darkness, representing the tomb’s darkness, before candles are lit. It is customary in many churches for the clergy and congregation to hold candles as they sing. This practice stems from ancient Christian burial rituals.
Public Life
The Christian Orthodox date for Holy Saturday is not a federal public holiday in the United States.
Background
Many Orthodox churches retained the Julian calendar after the Gregorian calendar was introduced in Europe in 1582. Therefore they often follow a different Easter date compared with many western churches. Easter holidays, such as Holy Saturday, are “moveable feasts” as these dates change according to calendar calculations. Holy Saturday is the day between Jesus’ death and his resurrection.
There are different types of Orthodox churches that are well established in the United States. Some of these churches include the Greek Hellenic Orthodox Church, the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, and the Russian Orthodox Church. The Russian Orthodox Church in North America can be traced back to the late 18th century, where a Russian church was built on Kodiak Island in Alaska during that period. Alaska was previously part of Russia until the United States bought the land. The number of Greek Orthodox churches grew as Greek immigration increased after the late 19th century in the United States.
Symbols
Candles that are lit during Holy Saturday church liturgies symbolize Jesus Christ’s victory over death, as well as the Christian belief in his resurrection. It can also mean spiritual hope and victory.
About Orthodox Holy Saturday in Other Countries
Read more about Orthodox Holy Saturday.

Orthodox Easter
2026-04-12
Many Orthodox Christians in the United States celebrate Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday. The Orthodox Christian date for Easter Sunday often occurs at a later date than the Easter date observed by many western churches. The day is also known as Pascha, Easter and Easter Day.
Is Orthodox Easter a Public Holiday?
Orthodox Easter is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday, April 20, 2025 and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in United States.
What Do People Do?
Many Orthodox Christian churches, including the Greek Orthodox and the Russian Orthodox churches, celebrate the “miracle of Easter” on the Easter Sunday date in the Julian calendar. Many people see Easter as the most important event in the church calendar. Orthodox Easter preparations begin with 40 days of strict fasting prior to Easter Day. Many Orthodox Christians attend liturgies during the Holy Week that leads up to Easter Sunday.
Some Americans who are members of the Russian Orthodox Christian community still practice the tradition of laying Easter eggs and Easter bread on dead relatives’ graves. This practice is a way of greeting the dead with news that Jesus Christ has risen. Many Greek Orthodox Christians buy Easter bread, known as tsoureki, and prepare lamb for the Easter feast.
Another tradition observed in many Orthodox Christian churches is the blessing of food baskets. The baskets are usually filled with bread, cheese, meat, eggs, butter, salt, and other types of food used for Paschal celebrations. The fasting period has ended and meat and dairy products can be eaten.
Public Life
The Orthodox Christian date for Easter Sunday is not a federal public holiday in the United States. However, it is held on a Sunday, which is a non-school day and non-working day for many Americans.
Background
Many Orthodox churches base their Easter date on the Julian calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar that is used by many western countries. Therefore, the Orthodox Easter period often occurs later than the Easter period that falls after the time of the March equinox.
There are different types of Orthodox churches that are well established in the United States, including the Greek Hellenic Orthodox Church, the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, the Russian Orthodox Church, and many others. The Russian Orthodox Church in North America can be traced back to the late 18th century, where a Russian church was built on Kodiak Island in Alaska during that period. Alaska was previously part of Russia until the United States bought the land. The number of Greek Orthodox churches grew as Greek immigration increased after the late 19th century in the United States.
Symbols
The Easter egg is hard-boiled and often dyed red to symbolize the blood of Christ. It was an important symbol connected with spring fertility rituals in many early civilizations. Many Greek Orthodox Christians rap their eggs against their friends’ eggs and the owner of the last uncracked egg is considered lucky. Another important symbol associated with Easter is the lamb. It is often depicted with a banner that bears a cross, and it is known as the Agnus Dei, meaning “Lamb of God” in Latin.

Thomas Jefferson's Birthday
2026-04-13
The birthday of Thomas Jefferson, who was the United States’ third president, is an annual national legal observance on April 13 . He was the principal author of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and is known as one of the country’s founding fathers.
Is Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday a Public Holiday?
Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday, April 13, 2025 and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in United States.
Celebrate Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday
Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday celebrations are coordinated by community groups, organizations and venues dedicated to the president, such as the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center at Monticello, near Charlottesville, Virginia. Public ceremonies, leadership awards, educational games for kids and other activities are held on this day.
Presidents’ Day also honors Jefferson, fellow president George Washington, and other U.S. presidents.
Public Life
Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday is a national legal observance in the U.S.
About Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was born in Shadwell, Virginia, on April 13, 1743. He played a key role in shaping American politics and drafted the United States’ Declaration of Independence. He was the nation’s first secretary of state, second vice-president, and third president. He was strongly against oppressive governments and believed in freedom of speech and religion. He died at Monticello, Virginia, on July 4, 1826.

Orthodox Easter Monday
2026-04-13
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday, which celebrates Jesus’ resurrection, according to Christian belief. Many Orthodox Christian churches in the United States often observe Easter Monday at a later date than the Easter Monday date observed by many western churches. The day is also known as Bright Monday, Renewal Monday, or New Monday.
What Do People Do?
Bright Monday liturgies are held for Orthodox Christians in many parts of the United States. These liturgies usually involve a gospel reading, which may be read in different languages. Some liturgies include priests sprinkling holy water, bell ringing, and a procession that involves children participating by holding religious icons.
Easter Monday is a relaxed day for many Orthodox Christians. For some, it is a reflection of the events that occurred during Holy Week. Easter Monday is a day to finish leftover Easter meals that were not eaten the day before.
Public Life
Orthodox Easter Monday is not a federal public holiday in the United States.
Background
Many Orthodox churches base their Easter date on the Julian calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar that is used by many western countries. Therefore the Orthodox Easter period often (but not always) occurs at a different date compared with the Easter date observed by many western churches, which falls after the time of the March equinox.
There are different types of Orthodox churches that are well established in the United States. Some of these churches include the Greek Hellenic Orthodox Church, the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, and the Russian Orthodox Church. The Russian Orthodox Church in North America can be traced back to the late 18th century, where a Russian church was built on Kodiak Island in Alaska during that period. Alaska was previously part of Russia until the US government purchased the land. The number of Greek Orthodox churches grew as Greek immigration increased after the late 19th century in the United States.
Symbols
Easter eggs are often dyed red to symbolize the Jesus Christ’s blood. It was an important symbol connected with spring fertility rituals in many early civilizations. Another important symbol associated with Easter is the lamb. It is often depicted with a banner that bears a cross, and it is known as the Agnus Dei, meaning “Lamb of God” in Latin.

Yom HaShoah
2026-04-14
Known as “Holocaust Remembrance Day” in English, Yom HaShoah commemorates the lives of the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust between 1933 and 1945.
Is Yom HaShoah a Public Holiday?
While this is not a public holiday in the United States, some Jewish-run organizations are closed on this date.
When Is Yom HaShoah?
Yom HaShoa is celebrated on the 27th day of the month of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, which usually falls in April or May in the Gregorian calendar.
Remembrance and Recounting
Jewish communities often organize solemn services, prayers and vigils on this date. Schools may show films about the Holocaust, and invite the few remaining living survivors or their descendants to tell their stories of survival to classes. Other Yom HaShoah ceremonies can include readings of the names of victims, fasting, and the planting of trees or flowers.
In the temples, a special prayer called Megillat HaShoah is read for the occasion, and memorial candles are lit while the Kaddish, a prayer for those who have passed, is spoken.
The Lessons of Hate
In 1980, an act of Congress created the Holocaust Memorial Council, which today plays a major part in organizing Yom HaShoah observances in the United States. The Holocaust Week of Remembrance occurs from Sunday to Sunday for the week that includes Yom HaShoah.
The events during this memorial are designed to remind people of the deadly consequences of allowing bigotry, hatred, and indifference to become normalized. During this time, lectures are given by Holocaust scholars, student essay competitions and poetry readings are held, and music composed during the Holocaust is performed.
National Day of Mourning
In Israel, Yom HaShoah is considered a national memorial day, beginning with an evening ceremony at the Yad Vashem monument.
At 10 am on the holiday, air-raid sirens are sounded throughout the country for a national moment of silence. Places of public entertainment are closed and flags on public buildings are flown at half-mast.
Some students at Jewish schools travel to a special memorial service at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp near Kraków, Poland on this date. The memorial ceremony held there has become known as “The March of the Living” or “The March of Remembrance and Hope.”
Jewish Holidays Last Longer Outside of Israel
In the Jewish diaspora—Jewish communities outside of Israel—an extra day is usually added to religious observances, with the exception of Yom Kippur, which lasts only one day worldwide, and Rosh Hashana, which is celebrated over two days in both Israel and the diaspora.
This custom has its roots in ancient times when the beginning of the months in the Jewish calendar still relied on the sighting of the crescent Moon following a New Moon.
The beginning of a new month was determined by the Sanhedrin, the supreme court of ancient Israel in Jerusalem. Once the date was published, messengers were dispatched to spread the news among Jews living abroad. Since this process took some time, it was decreed that Jews outside of ancient Israel were to observe every holiday for two days to make sure the rules and customs applicable to each holiday were observed on the proper date. This rule is still observed today.

Tax Day
2026-04-15
Many United States residents mark Tax Day as the deadline to file their income tax details to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The date is usually on or around April 15. However, this deadline may be extended to accommodate holidays or extreme weather conditions.
Is Tax Day a Public Holiday?
Tax Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours.
What Do People Do?
A large proportion of residents of the USA have to inform the IRS of all income that they received in the previous fiscal year. Some groups, particularly veterans, pensioners and some low-income families, do not have to file a tax return unless they wish to qualify for certain types of income subsidy. Others may wait until the last moment to file their tax return and pay any money they owe. Some people may find that filing a tax return is complicated, while others may feel that they should not have to pay income tax. In the United States, income tax returns may be filed on paper or electronically. Now, people are encouraged to file a return via Internet as this is efficient and reduces the risk of mistakes being made or documents being lost in the post.
Public Life
Tax Day is not a federal public holiday in the United States. Schools, post offices, stores and other businesses and organizations are open as usual. Public transport services run to their usual schedules and no extra congestion on highways is to be expected.
Background
Income tax was first introduced in the United States of America in 1861. A rate of three percent was levied on incomes above $800 per year and the resulting revenue was used to help fund the American Civil War effort. However, income tax was seen as unconstitutional and the law was repealed in 1872. The idea of a tax on personal income, at a rate of two percent, was reintroduced in the Revenue Act of 1894, but the legal status of this kind of tax was still unclear. In 1913, the “Sixteenth Amendment” to the Constitution of the United States was ratified. This cleared the way for the modern income tax system in the USA.
The details of the income tax system have changed greatly since 1913. The top rates of tax have varied enormously and were particularly high during the First and Second World Wars and the Great Depression. Individuals and families with very low levels of income do not have to pay income tax and may receive some subsidy via the tax system.
In 1913 Tax Day, or the filing deadline, was fixed on March 1. However, it was moved to March 15 in 1918 and April 15 in 1955, where it has remained since then. If April 15 falls on a Saturday, Sunday or a civil holiday, such as Patriot’s Day, the deadline is extended to the next working day. An extension due to a holiday may only affect certain states. In 2007, the residents of some states were granted an extension due to the disruption to public life in many areas caused by a huge Nor’easter storm. In some years in Washington DC, Emancipation Day may be the reason to extend the deadline for filing an income tax return (Tax Day). In 2007, the observance Emancipation Day in Washington DC had the effect of nationally extending the 2006 income tax filing deadline from April 16 to April 17. This 2007 date change was not discovered until after many forms went to print.

Administrative Professionals Day
2026-04-22
Administrative Professionals Day® highlights the important role of administrative professionals in all sectors of the modern economy worldwide. It is on the Wednesday of Administrative Professionals Week®, which is on the last full week of April.
Is Administrative Professionals Day a Public Holiday?
Administrative Professionals Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours.
Celebrate Administrative Professionals Day
Administrative Professionals Day and Administrative Professionals Week are widely observed in many workplaces in the United States and other countries around the world. Many employers and supervisors arrange events to show their appreciation of the work carried out by administrative professionals, to highlight their importance to the organization and to enhance their work-related skills.
Public Life
Administrative Professionals Day is an observance but it is not a public holiday in the United States.
About Administrative Professionals Day
During World War II, there was an increased need for skilled administrative personnel, particularly in the United States. The National Secretaries Association was formed to recognize the contributions of secretaries and other administrative personnel to the economy, to support their personal development and to help attract people to administrative careers in the field. The association’s name was changed to Professional Secretaries International in 1981 and, finally, the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) in 1998.
These changes in name reflected the changing nature of the tasks, qualifications and responsibilities of the members of the organization. IAAP now has an international orientation and continues to provide education and training and set standards of excellence recognized by the business community on a global perspective. The organization’s vision is “to inspire and equip all administrative professionals to attain excellence”.
The first National Secretaries Week was organized in 1952 in conjunction with the United States Department of Commerce and various office supply and equipment manufacturers. The Wednesday of that week became known as National Secretaries Day. As the organization gained international recognition, the events became known as Professional Secretaries Week® and Professional Secretaries Day®. In 2000, IAAP announced that names of the week and the day were changed to Administrative Professionals Week and Administrative Professionals Day to keep pace with changing job titles and expanding responsibilities of the modern administrative workforce. Many work environments across the world observe this event.

Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
2026-04-23
Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, sometimes termed Take Your Child to Work Day, is a national day that gives children in the United States a glimpse into the working world. Developed by the Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Foundation, a non-profit educational organization, the day revolves around parents taking their children to work to expose students to future job possibilities and the value of education. It is the successor to Take Our Daughters to Work Day, which was expanded to include boys in 2003. In the U.S., it occurs on the fourth Thursday in April every year.

First Day of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
2026-05-01
This is not a public holiday. Government and public offices, businesses, and schools are not closed for this observation but may hold special events and outreach programs to commemorate the beginning of the month-long annual observation.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed in the United States during the month of May, and recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
