Public Holidays In The United States

Public holidays in the United States are largely controlled by private sector employers, who employ approximately 62% of the total U.S. population who are given paid time off. A typical work week is generally 40 hours a week with a Saturday-Sunday weekend. Public holidays with paid time off is generally defined to occur on a day that is within the employee's work week. When a holiday occurs on Saturday or Sunday, that holiday is shifted to either Friday or Monday. Most employers follow a holiday schedule similar to the federal holidays of the United States, with exceptions or additions. The federal holiday schedule mainly benefits employees of government and government regulated businesses. However, this sector only comprises 15% of the working population. At the discretion of the employer, other non-federal holidays such as Christmas Eve and the Day after Thanksgiving are common additions to the list of paid holidays while Columbus Day and Veterans Day are common omissions. Besides paid holidays are festival and food holidays that also have wide acceptance based on sales of goods and services that are typically associated with that holiday. Halloween and Valentine's Day are such examples of widely celebrated uncompensated holidays.

History

source : www.horsecampsontario.com

Public holidays had their origins from established federal holidays that were enacted by Congress. They were typically observed on days that have significance for various sectors of American society and are observed at all levels of society including government, the private sector, and are typically derived from the history, religion and the cultures of the U.S. demographics and have changed over time. Observances of holidays are most commonly observed with paid time off, however, many holiday celebrations are done with festivities without time off. Some are observed with community work depending on the meaning of the holiday. They are however not mandated by any government, agencies, whether it be federal, state, or local governments. There are no national holidays on which all businesses are closed by law. Federal holidays are only established for certain federally chartered and regulated businesses (such as federal banks), and for Washington, D.C. All other public holidays are created by the States; most states also allow local jurisdictions (cities, villages, etc.) to establish their own local holidays. As a result, holidays have not historically been governed at the federal level and federal law does not govern business opening. Some states restrict some business activities on some holidays. Business closures are mandated on some holidays in some states for certain kinds of businesses by Blue Laws. For example, some businesses cannot open on Thanksgiving Day in some New England states if the businesses operated on more than 5000 square feet of space. The most notable businesses to close on such occasions are car dealerships and establishments selling alcohol.

Overview

source : www.calendarpedia.com

As of 2012, there were eleven federal holidays in the United States, ten annual holidays and one quadrennial holiday (Inauguration Day). Pursuant to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 (effective 1971), official holidays are observed on a Monday, except for New Year's Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

While all current federal holidays have also been made public holidays in all 50 states for federal organizations, each state is not bound to observe the holidays on the same dates as the federal holidays. Many states also have additional holidays that are not observed by the U.S. federal government. Many businesses likewise observe certain holidays as well, which are also not mandated by any government agency. A list of "recommended diversity holidays" recognizes many cultures that range from Christianity to Islam, as well as racial diversity where various ethnic holidays such as St. Patrick's Day, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Mardi Gras, and Cinco de Mayo are celebrated by individuals in the workplace, as a matter of best practice. In light of recent race issues in the United States, many municipalities both at the city and state levels have begun celebrating Malcolm X Day and Rosa Parks Day in addition to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to embrace the mostly disenfranchised African American community in the form of festivals and parades if not done as a legal public holiday. Illinois and Berkeley, California are two places where Malcolm X is honored with a legal holiday with offices closed whereas Missouri honored Rosa Parks on her birthday. Today, the United States is the 85th most ethnically diverse country in the world. While the popularity of each public holiday cannot easily be measured, the holiday with the highest greeting card sales is Christmas. Major retail establishments such as malls, shopping centers and most retail stores close only on Thanksgiving and Christmas and some on Easter Sunday as well, but remain open on all other holidays (early closing on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, and sometimes on other major holidays). Virtually all companies observe and close on the major holidays (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). Some non-retail business close on the day after Thanksgiving, while some (such as federal banks and post offices) are not allowed to close on the day after Thanksgiving. Some smaller businesses normally open on Sunday will close on Easter Sunday, if it is their experience they will have very few customers that day.

Holidays most commonly celebrated

source : freewordtemplates.net

Holidays observed with paid time off

source : www.calendarpedia.com

The labor force in the United States comprises about 62% (as of 2014) of the general population. In the United States, 97% of the private sector businesses determine what days this sector of the population gets paid time off, according to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management. The following holidays are observed by the majority of the U.S. businesses with paid time off:

New Year's Day and New Year's Eve
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving and the day after
Christmas Eve and Christmas

Holiday listing as paid time off

This list of holidays is based off the official list of Federal Holidays by Year from the U.S. Government. The holidays however are at the discretion of employers whose statistics are measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Another list from the Society for Human Resource Management shows actual percentages of employers offering paid time off for each holiday. The term "major holiday" (bolded) coincides for those holidays that 90% or more of employers offered paid time off.

* List of Federal Holidays by Year from the U.S. Government (see Office of Personnel Management)

** Additional holidays referenced by the Society for Human Resource Management: Good Friday 26%, Easter Monday 6%, Yom Kippur 7%, Day before Thanksgiving 3â€"8%, Day after Thanksgiving 69â€"75%, Day before Christmas Eve 33%, Christmas Eve 78â€"79%, Day after Christmas 40â€"64%, Day before New Years Eve 25â€"71% depending if it falls on a weekend, New Years Eve 71%, Passover 3%, Hanukkah 1%, Ramadan 1%, Ash Wednesday 1%, Diwali 1%, Eid al-Adha 1%, Vietnamese New Year <1%, Chinese New Year <1%

School holidays

An academic year typically spans from early fall to early summer, with two or three months of summer vacation marking the end of year. K-12 public schools generally observe local, state, and federal holidays, plus additional days off around Thanksgiving, the period from before Christmas until after New Year's Day, a spring break (usually a week in April) and sometimes a winter break (a week in February or March). Two or three days per year are sometimes devoted to professional development for teachers, and students have the day off.

Most colleges and universities divide the school year into two semesters. The fall semester often begins the day after Labor Day in early September and runs until mid-December. The spring semester typically starts in the middle or end of January and runs until May. Winter and summer classes might be offered in January and Mayâ€"August. Major federal, state, and local holidays are often observed, including the day after and usually before Thanksgiving. Spring break is usually a week in March or early April, and in college party culture traditionally involves a warm-weather trip.

Unscheduled weather-related cancellations and emergency cancellations can also affect school calendars.

When taking summer school or summer camp schedules into account, the Independence Day holiday on JulyÂ 4 is usually a scheduled holiday observance for which the summer program closes.

Government sector holidays: Federal, state, and local government

The federal government sector labor force consisted of about 2,729,000 (as of 2014) of the total labor force of 150,539,900, which is roughly about 1.8% of the total labor force or about 1.1% of the total population. In addition, state and local governments consist of another 19,134,000 bringing the U.S. total government sector employees to about 15% of the total labor force. This sector of the population is entitled to paid time off designated as Federal holidays by Congress in Title V of the United States Code (5 U.S.C.Â Â§Â 6103). Both federal and state government employees generally observe the same federal holidays.

Federally regulated agencies: Banks and financial institutions

U.S. banks generally observe the federal holidays because of their reliance on the U.S. Federal Reserve for certain activities such as wire transfers and Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions. For example, JP Morgan Chase observes all federal holidays except Columbus Day, while U.S. Bank observes all of them.

The New York Stock Exchange also closely follows the federal holidays except for Columbus Day. However, the agency also has extra holidays on the day before Independence Day and Good Friday.

Legal holidays by states and political divisions of the United States

Not to be confused with tax holidays

In general, most state governments observe the same holidays that the federal government observes. However, while that is true for most states, every state includes and omits holidays to fit the culture relevant to its population.

Alabama

See also: State of Alabama Legal Holidays

All federal holidays
January 15â€"21 (floating Monday) â€" this federal holiday is renamed "Robert E. Lee/Martin Luther King Birthday"
February 15â€"21 (floating Monday) â€" this federal holiday is renamed "George Washington/Thomas Jefferson Birthday"
April 22â€"28 (floating Monday) â€" Confederate Memorial Day
June 1â€"7 (floating Monday) â€" Jefferson Davis' birthday
October 8â€"14 (floating Monday) â€" Renamed Columbus Day / Fraternal Day / American Indian Heritage Day

Baldwin County, Alabama

All Alabama state holidays
February 3-March 9 (floating Tuesday using Computus) - Mardi Gras

Mobile County, Alabama

All Alabama state holidays
February 3-March 9 (floating Tuesday using Computus) - Mardi Gras

Perry County, Alabama

See also: Perry County, Alabama Calendar

All Alabama state holidays
November 8â€"14 (floating Monday) - Obama Day

Alaska

See also: Alaska State Holidays

All federal holidays except Columbus Day
March 25â€"31 (floating Monday) - Seward's Day
October 18 - Alaska Day

American Samoa

See also: American Samoa Holidays

All federal holidays
April 17 - Flag Day
December 26 - Family Day

Arizona

See also:Arizona State Holidays

All federal holidays
January 15â€"21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr./Civil Rights Day".
February 15â€"21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed "Lincoln/Washington Presidents' Day".

Arkansas

See also: Arkansas State Holidays

All federal holidays except Columbus Day
February 15â€"21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed "George Washington's Birthday and Daisy Gatson Bates Day".
December 24 - Christmas Eve

California

See also: California Department of Human Resources - State Holidays

The U.S. state of California has separate definitions of "state holidays" which are different from "legal holidays".

All federal holidays except Columbus Day
March 31 (fixed) - CÃ©sar ChÃ¡vez Day
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - day after Thanksgiving

California education holidays

See also: California Education Code 37220-37223

All California state holidays (schools closed)
January 23 - Ed Roberts Day (schools open, but with related instructions)
January 30 - Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties (schools open, but with related instructions)
February 6 - Ronald Reagan Day (schools open, but with related instructions)
February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday (schools closed)
February 15 - Susan B. Anthony Day (schools open, but with related instructions)
March 5 - death of Crispus Attucks (schools open, but with related instructions)
March 7 - birthday of Luther Burbank / Arbor Day (schools open, but with related instructions)
March 30 - Vietnamese Veterans Day (schools open, but with related instructions)
April 6 - California Poppy Day (schools open, but with related instructions)
April 21 - John Muir Day (schools open, but with related instructions)
May 8â€"14 (floating Wednesday) - Day of the Teacher (schools open, but with related instructions)
May 22 - Harvey Milk Day (schools open, but with related instructions)
September 22â€"28 (floating Monday) - Native American Day (schools closed)
October 25 - Larry Itliong Day (schools open, but with related instructions)

Lincoln's Birthday (February 12) was removed from California's education holiday calendar in 2009

Berkeley, California

See also: City of Berkeley: Holiday and Reduced Service Days Schedule

All California holidays except Cesar Chavez Day
February 12 (fixed) - Lincoln's Birthday
May 19 (fixed) - Malcolm X Day
October 8â€"14 (floating Monday) - Indigenous People's Day

San Francisco, California

See also: San Francisco City and County Holidays

All California holidays except Cesar Chavez Day
October 8â€"14 (floating Monday) - Columbus Day (added because the holiday was omitted by the California state government)

West Hollywood, California

See also: West Hollywood City Holidays

All California holidays except Cesar Chavez Day and the Day after Thanksgiving
May 22 (fixed) - Harvey Milk Day

Colorado

See also: Colorado State Holidays

All federal holidays

Connecticut

See also: Connecticut Department of Administrative Services State Holidays

All federal holidays
February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday
March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday

Delaware

See also State of Delaware - State Holidays

All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday and Columbus Day
March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
November 2â€"8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day (in even-numbered years)
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - day After Thanksgiving

District of Columbia

See also: District of Columbia Department of Human Resources Holidays

All federal holidays
January 20 - Inauguration Day (every 4 years)
April 16 - Emancipation Day

Florida

See also: Florida State Holidays Chapter 110 Section 117

Florida's laws separately defines "paid holidays" versus "legal holidays", which does not have any obligation to include as "paid holidays".

All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday and Columbus Day
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - day after Thanksgiving

Florida legal holidays

See also: [4]

Florida's laws separate the definitions between paid versus legal holidays. The following list shows only the legal holidays that were not defined as "paid holidays":

All Florida state holidays
January 18 - Martin Luther King Jr.
February 3-March 9 (floating Tuesday using Computus) - Shrove Tuesday / Mardi Gras
February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday
February 15 - Susan B. Anthony Day
February 15â€"21 (floating Monday) - Washington's Birthday (reincluded because the holiday is not listed under the Florida government holidays)
March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
April 2 - Pascua Florida Day
April 26 - Confederate Memorial Day
June 3 - birthday of Jefferson Davis
June 14 - Flag Day
October 8â€"14 (floating Monday) - renamed holiday as Columbus and Farmers' Day
November 2â€"8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day

Florida circuit courts

See also: Florida Circuit Court Holidays

All Florida state holidays
February 15â€"21 (floating Monday) - Presidents' Day (reincluded because the Florida state government omits this holiday)
March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
September 5-October 5 (floating date) - Rosh Hashannah
September 14-October 14 (floating date) - Yom Kippur

Miami-Dade, Florida

See also: Miami-Dade Government Holidays

All Florida state holidays
February 15â€"21 (floating Monday) - Presidents' Day (reincluded because the Florida state government excludes this date)
October 8â€"14 (floating Monday) - Columbus Day (reincluded because the Florida state government excludes this date)

Georgia

See also: Georgia State Holidays

All federal holidays except President's Day
April 24â€"30 (floating Monday) - Confederate Memorial Day
December 24 - Washington's Birthday observed. If December 24 is a Wednesday, then this holiday is observed on Friday December 26.

Guam

See also: Guam Government Holidays

All federal holidays
March 7 - Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day
July 21 - Liberation Day
November 2 - All Souls' Day
December 8 - Lady of Camarin Day

Hawaii

See also: Hawaii State Government Holidays

All federal holidays except Columbus Day
March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
March 26 - Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Day
June 11 - Kamehameha Day
August 15â€"21 (floating Friday) - Statehood Day
November 2â€"8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day (in even-numbered years)

Idaho

See also: Idaho State Holidays

All federal holidays
January 15â€"21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed "Martin Luther King, Jr.-Idaho Human Rights Day"

Illinois

See also: Illinois Department of Central Management Services State Holidays

All federal holidays
February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday
November 2â€"8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day (in even-numbered years)
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - day after Thanksgiving

Chicago, Illinois

See also: Chicago City Holidays

All Illinois state holidays except the Day after Thanksgiving
March 1â€"7 (floating Monday) - Pulaski Day

Indiana

See also: Indiana State Personnel State Holidays

All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday
March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
May 1â€"7 (floating Monday) - Primary Election Day
November 2â€"8 (floating Monday) - General Election Day
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - Lincoln's Birthday to occur on day after Thanksgiving
December 24 - Washington's Birthday to occur on Christmas Eve

Iowa

See also: Iowa Department of Administrative Services

All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday and Columbus Day
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving

Kansas

See also: State of Kansas Employee Service Center

All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday and Columbus Day

Kentucky

See also: State Holidays Kentucky Personnel Cabinet

All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday and Columbus Day
March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday(half holiday)
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving
December 24 - Christmas Eve
December 31 - New Year's Eve

Louisiana

See also: Louisiana State Holidays

All federal holidays except Columbus Day
February 3-March 9 (floating Tuesday using Computus) - Mardi Gras
March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
November 2â€"8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day (in even-numbered years)

Louisiana courts

See also: Louisiana Court Holidays

All Louisiana state holidays
November 1 - All Saints' Day
November 23â€"29 (Floafloatingting Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving
December 24 - Christmas Eve
December 31 - New Year's Eve

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

All Louisiana state holidays
January 20 - Inauguration Day (every four years)

Maine

See also: Maine Public Holidays

All federal holidays
April 15â€"21 (floating Monday) - Patriots' Day
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving

Maryland

See also: Maryland State Employee Holidays

All federal holidays
November 2â€"8 (floating Tuesday) - Presidential Election Day (every 4 years)
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - Native American Heritage Day

Massachusetts

See also: Massachusetts Legal Holidays

All federal holidays
April 15â€"21 (floating Monday) - Patriots' Day

Suffolk County, Massachusetts

All Massachusetts state holidays
March 17 - Evacuation Day
June 17 - Bunker Hill Day

Michigan

See also: Michigan State Holidays

All federal holidays except Columbus Day
November 2â€"8 (floating Tuesday) - General Election Day (even numbered years only)
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving
December 24 - Christmas Eve (if Christmas Eve falls on Sunday as it does in 2017, December 22 is the observed holiday)
December 31 - New Year's Eve (if New Year's Eve falls on Sunday as it does in 2017, December 29 is the observed holiday)

Minnesota

See also: Minnesota Court Holidays

All federal holidays except Columbus Day
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving

Mississippi

See also: Mississippi State Holidays

All federal holidays except Columbus Day
January 15â€"21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed "Martin Luther King's and Robert E. Lee's Birthdays"
April 24â€"30 (floating Monday) - Confederate Memorial Day
May 25â€"31 (floating Monday) - renamed National Memorial Day / Jefferson Davis Birthday
November 11 - renamed Armistice Day (Veterans Day)

Missouri

See also: Missouri State Holidays

All federal holidays
February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday
May 8 - Truman Day

Montana

See also: Montana State Holidays

All federal holidays
November 2â€"8 (floating Tuesday) - General Election Day

Nebraska

See also: Nebraska Health and Human Services State Holidays

All federal holidays
April 24â€"30 (floating Friday) - Arbor Day
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving

Nevada

See also: Nevada State Holidays

All federal holidays except Columbus Day.
October 25â€"31 (floating Friday) - Nevada Day
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - Family Day

New Hampshire

See also: New Hampshire State Holidays

All federal holidays (offices remain open on Columbus Day)
January 15â€"21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Day
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - the day after Thanksgiving

New Jersey

See alsoÂ : New Jersey State Holidays

All federal holidays
March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
November 2â€"8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day

New Mexico

See also: New Mexico State Holidays

All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - holiday in lieu of Presidents' Day

New York

See also: New York State Holidays

All federal holidays
February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday
November 2â€"8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day

New York City Public Schools

See also: New York City School Calendar

All New York State holidays and most national school holidays
January 21-February 20 (floating on full moon date) - Lunar New Year
February - Mid-Winter Recess (includes Lincoln's Birthday and Washington's Birthday)
March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
April - Spring Recess
Julyâ€"August - Summer vacation (includes Independence Day)
September 5-October 5 (floating date) - Rosh Hashannah
September 14-October 14 (floating date) - Yom Kippur
December - Winter Recess (includes Christmas and New Years Day)
Eid al-Adha (date can vary year-round) - Schools are closed if the holiday falls within the academic year
- For the 2016-2017 year, Eid al-Adha was observed September 12, 2016

North Carolina

See also: North Carolina Human Resources State Employee Holidays

All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday and Columbus Day, plus the following four state holidays:
March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - Day After Thanksgiving
December 22â€"28 (floating days) - Christmas Eve and Day after Christmas (three days sequentially; adjusted if any falls on a weekend)

North Dakota

See also: North Dakota State Holidays

All federal holidays except Columbus Day

Northern Mariana Islands

See also: Northern Mariana Islands Holidays

All federal holidays
March 24 - Commonwealth Covenant Day
March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
November 4 - Citizenship Day
December 9 - Constitution Day

Ohio

See also: Ohio State Employer Holidays

All federal holidays

Oklahoma

See also: Oklahoma State Holidays

All federal holidays except Columbus Day
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving
December 26 - Day after Christmas

Oregon

See also: Oregon Legal Holidays

All federal holidays except Columbus Day

Pennsylvania

See also: Pennsylvania State Holidays

All federal holidays
March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
November 2â€"8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving

Puerto Rico

See also: Puerto Rico Public Holidays

All federal holidays
January 6 - Three Kings Day/Epiphany
January 8â€"14 (floating Monday) - Eugenio MarÃa de Hostos Birthday
March 22 - Emancipation Day
March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
March 22-April 25 (floating Sunday using Computus) - Easter
May 8â€"14 (floating Sunday) - Mother's Day
June 15â€"21 (floating Sunday) - Father's Day
July 15â€"21 (floating Monday) - Luis MuÃ±oz Rivera Birthday
July 25 - Constitution of Puerto Rico Day
November 19 - Discovery of Puerto Rico Day

Rhode Island

See also: Rhode Island State Holidays

All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday
August 8â€"14 (floating Monday) - Victory Day
November 2â€"8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day

South Carolina

See also: South Carolina Holiday Leave

All federal holidays except Columbus Day
May 10 - Confederate Memorial Day
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving
December 24 - Christmas Eve
December 26 - Day after Christmas

South Dakota

See also: Schedule of Office Closures for State-recognized holidays

All federal holidays except Columbus Day
October 8â€"14 (floating Monday) - Native Americans Day

Tennessee

See also: Tennessee State Holidays

All federal holidays except Columbus Day
March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
December 24 - Christmas Eve

Texas

See also: Official Texas State Holidays

All federal holidays except Columbus Day.
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - Friday after Thanksgiving
December 24 - Christmas Eve
December 26 - Day after Christmas

Texas partial staffing holidays

Texas law designates that the state businesses be "partially staffed" on the following holidays. These holidays can be replaced with an optional holiday per the state employee's choice, but will give up one of these in lieu of the optional holiday.

January 19 - Confederate Heroes Day
March 2 - Texas Independence Day
April 21 - San Jacinto Day
June 19 - Emancipation Day in Texas
August 27 - Lyndon Baines Johnson Day

Texas optional holidays

Texas law allows a state employee to replace a partial staffing holiday with one of the following holidays. On these holidays, the state agency is generally required to stay open with minimum staff.

March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
March 31 - Cesar Chavez Day (added in section 662.013, was not one of the original "optional holidays" declared in 1999)
September 5-October 5 (floating date) - Rosh Hashanah
September 14-October 14 (floating date) - Yom Kippur

U.S. Virgin Islands

See also: U.S. Virgin Islands Court Holidays

All federal holidays
January 6 - Three Kings Day
March 31 - Transfer Day
March 19-April 22 (floating Thursday using Computus) - Holy Thursday
March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
March 23-April 26 (floating Monday using Computus) - Easter Monday
July 3 - Emancipation Day
October 8â€"14 (floating Monday) - Columbus Day - Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Day
November 1 - D. Hamilton Jackson Day
December 26 - Christmas Second Day

Utah

See also: Utah State Holidays

All federal holidays
July 24 - Pioneer Day

Vermont

See also: Vermont State Holidays

All federal holidays except Columbus Day
March 1â€"7 (floating Tuesday) - Town Meeting Day
August 16 - Bennington Battle Day

Virginia

See also: Virginia State Holidays

All federal holidays
January 12â€"18 (floating Friday) - Leeâ€"Jackson Day
February 15â€"21 (floating Monday) - this federal holiday is renamed "George Washington Day".
November 21â€"27 (floating Wednesday) - day before Thanksgiving, commencing at noon
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving
December 24 - Christmas Eve

Wake Island

All federal holidays except Martin Luther King Jr. Day
All Friday holidays are celebrated on Saturday and all Monday holidays are celebrated on Tuesday to account for the time zone difference with the states. Weekday holidays such as Thanksgiving are celebrated as they fall.
March 20-April 23 (floating Friday using Computus) - Good Friday
March 22-April 25 (floating Sunday using Computus) - Easter (listed to account for park closing, which normally opens Sundays)
April 13â€"15 - Songkran Festival
December 31 - New Year's Eve

Washington

See also: Washington State Holidays

All federal holidays except Columbus Day

West Virginia

See also: West Virginia State Holidays

All federal holidays
June 20 - West Virginia Day
November 2â€"8 (floating Tuesday) - Election Day / Susan B. Anthony Day (even numbered years only),
November 23â€"29 (floating Friday) - Day after Thanksgiving
December 24 - Christmas Eve (See note below)
December 31 - New Years Eve (See note below)
Note: Christmas Eve and New Years Eve are half day holidays and are not shifted if they fall on Saturday or Sunday.

Wisconsin

See also: State of Wisconsin Legal Holidays

All federal holidays except Washington's Birthday and Columbus Day
December 24 - Christmas Eve
December 31 - New Year's Eve
January 1 - New Years Day

Wisconsin Public School Observance Days

See also: Wisconsin Public School Observance Days

Wisconsin's public schools are obligated to observe the 21 days designated by Wisconsin Statute section 118.02 on the designated day unless the day falls on Saturday or Sunday, in which case would move the observance to either the preceding Friday or following Monday. The statutes require the public schools to include instruction relating to the holidays. In this list of holidays, all schools remain open.

January 15 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday
February 15 - Susan B. Anthony Day
February 22 - Washington's Birthday
March 4 - Casimir Pulaski Day
March 17 - "The Great Hunger" in Ireland
April 9 - Prisoners of War Remembrance Day
April 13 - American's Creed Day
April 19 - Patriots' Day
April 22 - Environmental Awareness Day
April 29 - Arbor Day
June 14 - Robert La Follette Sr. Day
September 16 - Mildred Fish Harnack Day
September 16 - Wisconsin Day
September 17 - Constitution Day
September 18 - POW-MIA Recognition Day
September 23 - Bullying Awareness Day
September 28 - Francis Willard Day
October 9 - Leif Erikson Day
October 12 - Columbus Day
November 11 - Veterans Day

Wyoming

See also: Wyoming State Holidays

All federal holidays
January 15â€"21 (floating Monday) - renamed Martin Luther King, Jr. / Wyoming Equality Day

Federal holidays at the state level

While most federal holidays are observed at the state level, some of these holidays are observed with different names, are observed on different days, or completely not observed in some states of the United States. ^ a. For example, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is known officially as Martin Luther King, Jr./Civil Rights Day in Arizona, and New Hampshire, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert E. Lee's Birthdays in Arkansas, Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Florida, and Maryland, Martin Luther King Jr. / Idaho Human Rights Day in Idaho, and Martin Luther King's and Robert E. Lee's Birthdays in Mississippi. ^ b. Washington's Birthday is known officially as President's Day in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Maryland, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming, Washington-Lincoln Day in Colorado (CRS 24-11-101), Ohio, Lincoln/Washington/Presidents' Day in Arizona, George Washington's Birthday and Daisy Gatson Bates Day in Arkansas, Presidents' Day in Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Vermont, Washington's Birthday/President's Day in Maine, Presidents Day in Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, and Oregon, Lincoln's and Washington's Birthday in Montana, Washington and Lincoln Day in Utah, and George Washington Day in Virginia. ^ The day after Thanksgiving is observed in lieu of Columbus Day in Minnesota. ^ Columbus Day is listed as a state holiday in New Hampshire although state offices remain open. ^ President's Day, Good Friday (11am-3pm), Juneteenth Day (June 19), Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, Partisan Primary Election Day, and General Election Day are listed as a state holiday in Wisconsin although state offices remain open.

Legal holidays observed nationwide

January 1 â€" New Year's Day
May 25-31 (floating Monday) â€" Memorial Day
- Known officially as National Memorial Day in Alabama,
- and Memorial Day / Decoration Day in Idaho.
- Observed with Jefferson Davis' Birthday, and known officially as National Memorial Day / Jefferson Davis' Birthday, in Mississippi.
July 4 â€" Independence Day
September 1â€"7 (floating Monday) â€" Labor Day
November 11 â€" Veterans Day
- Known officially as Armistice Day in Mississippi.
November 22â€"28 (floating Thursday) â€" Thanksgiving
December 25 â€" Christmas

Holidays with religious and cultural significance

source : www.horsecampsontario.com

The religious and cultural holidays in the United States is characterized by a diversity of religious beliefs and practices. However, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ...." and Article VI specifies that "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." As a result, various religious faiths have flourished, as well as perished, in the United States. A majority of Americans report that religion plays a "very important" role in their lives, a proportion unique among developed nations.

The majority of Americans (73â€"80%) identify themselves as Christians and about 15â€"20% have no religious affiliation. According to the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) (2008) 76% of the American adult population identified themselves as Christians, with 51% professing attendance at a variety of churches that could be considered Protestant or unaffiliated, and 25% professing Catholic beliefs. The same survey says that other religions (including, for example, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism) collectively make up about 4% of the adult population, another 15% of the adult population claim no religious affiliation, and 5.2% said they did not know, or they refused to reply. According to a 2012 survey by the Pew forum, 36 percent of Americans state that they attend services nearly every week or more.

Drinking holidays

According to the National Institutes of Health, about 86% of the U.S. population over 18 drinks alcohol recreationally or socially. In the United States, the holidays that are considered the most "festive" are generally regarded as some of the "most drunken holidays." Celebrations usually revolve around barbecues and beer. Although many of these holiday lack any official status, these holidays are generally observed by the drinking culture for the fact that these holidays revolve around drinking. One measurement of the popularity of these holidays can be measured by the amount of alcohol purchased for the occasion. One particular survey names New Years Eve as the holiday for which the most alcohol is consumed based on sales. While many holidays are listed, some are generally notable for their drinking requirement while others are known for abstinence.

African American holidays

African Americans make up about 12% of the U.S. population. While some customs have come from abroad, many of the customs were developed inside the United States. Kwanzaa, for example, is a custom has greatly influenced American culture originating from the "turbulent 60's" when race relations in the United States was at its lowest. Most of the newer holidays revolve around a particular civil rights activist and have recently gained attention from city and state level governments. At the federal level, only Martin Luther King, Jr. was honored.

Christian holidays

With 73% of the U.S. population identifying themselves as Christian, many holidays from the liturgical calendar are observed by this segment of the population. With 94% of businesses including federal, state, and local governments closing on Christmas, arguably the most significant holiday of the Christian religion, many stores are also closed on Christmas, but with a relatively small exception. For example, convenience stores operating on less than 5,000 square feet of space such as 7-Eleven and CVS Pharmacy can remain open. A reference in A Christmas Story shows a Chinese restaurant being the only establishment open on Christmas.

Some private businesses and certain other institutions are closed on Good Friday. The financial market and stock market is closed on Good Friday. Most retail stores remain open although some might close early. Public schools and most universities are closed on Good Friday, either as a holiday of its own, or part of spring break. The postal service operates, and banks regulated by the federal government do not close for Good Friday.

Many companies, including banks, malls, shopping centers and most private retail stores that normally open on Sundays are closed on Easter.

Hindu holidays

According to some sources, the Hindu holidays of Diwali and Holi are commonly celebrated as a "mainstream" holiday throughout the United States, not only by Indian Americans or peoples of Indian descent. Many firms that hire a people from India will even go as far as observing the holidays with a celebration within the company or even approving it as a paid day off. Holi, the "festival of colors" has inspired a Broadway musical based on this festival. New York City Council has voted on a resolution that may make Diwali and Holi a legal holiday in Resolution 1863-2013. As of August 2013, the resolution has passed and the holidays are now officially legal holidays in New York City. CNN reported that the Diwali holiday is shown in American pop culture through an episode of The Office.

Jewish holidays

According to various sources, the three most commonly celebrated Jewish holidays are Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah. Passover and Yom Kippur in addition to Rosh Hashannah and Hanukkah are recognized as an optional state level holiday in the U.S. state of Texas All Jewish holidays start the night before, as that is when the Jewish day begins.

Muslim holidays

According to various sources, the major holidays of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha have been recognized in the United States. Awareness of these holidays can be found in calendars published by major calendar manufacturers. According to Al-Jazeera, schools in the U.S. states of New York and Michigan (mainly Dearborn) may begin to close in observance of all Muslim holidays.

Other religious, traditional, and informal holidays celebrated in the United States

In addition to the federal/national holidays, many religious, ethnic, and other traditional holidays populate the calendar, as well as observances proclaimed by officials and lighter celebrations. These are rarely observed by businesses as holidays (Except for Easter and most often also on Good Friday); indeed, many are viewed as opportunities for commercial promotion. Because of this commercialization, some critics apply the deprecatory term Hallmark holiday to such days, after the Hallmark greeting card company.

Other notable holidays

source : www.calendarpedia.com

420 (April 20th; counterculture holiday in which participants meet and consume cannabis)
Black Friday (busy shopping day where stores lower prices the Friday after Thanksgiving, traditionally the start of the Christmas shopping season)
Cricket World Cup is watched by a quarter of the world's population. Its popularity in the United States has made many offices and shops close particularly where Indians and Pakistanis work.
Cyber Monday (the equivalent of Black Friday, except online, the Monday after Black Friday)
Free Comic Book Day (an annual promotional effort started in 2002 to bring in new consumers to independent comic book stores, takes place the first Saturday in May)
Go Skateboarding Day (June 21)
International Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19): a tongue-in-cheek holiday celebrating Pirate culture
Oktoberfest (celebrated most often in areas with contemporary or historic populations of German heritage)
Opening Day (first week of April; the beginning of the Major League Baseball season and an unofficial indication that summer is approaching)
Pi Day (March 14) (on March 14 for the beginning of pi, 3.14)
Small Business Saturday (day after Black Friday; encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local)
Spring break (one week in late winter or early spring that schools are off)
State Patty's Day (the Penn State University alternative to St. Patrick's Day due to the holiday falling on spring break)
Summer vacation (summer months in which schools are off)
Super Bowl Sunday (the first Sunday in February; the day of the National Football League's championship; festivities generally including in-home parties and watching the game on television with beverages and snacks)
Super Tuesday (political event, quadrennial)
Tax Day (federal and state tax deadline, April 15; or if on weekend or holiday, next closest Monday or business day)
Tax Freedom Day (day in which an average citizen is said to have worked enough to pay his or her taxes for the year)

References

source : biginf.com

External links

source : holiday-calendar.com

U.S. Department of Commerce Federal Holiday Calendar
Text of Federal Holiday Legislation
Bizarre American Holidays â€" a comprehensive compilation of special recognition given both to months and individual days. Unfortunately, the origins of the commemorations aren't provided.
Infoplease: State Holidays
Federal Holidays: Evolution and Application, CRS Report for Congress, 98-301 GOV, updated February 8, 1999, by Stephen W. Stathis

Monday, September 25, 2017