Presidents' Day

Origins and the calendar

George Washington was born in Virginia in February 1732 according to the modern Gregorian calendar. In 1879, an Act of Congress established a federal holiday on February 22 to celebrate his birth, initially covering offices in the capital before expanding nationwide in 1885. This remained fixed on Washington's calendar birthday for almost a century. The date shifted under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968, which took effect in 1971. Designed to provide federal workers with a reliable three-day weekend, the law placed the holiday on the third Monday of February. Because of this change, the observance always falls between February 15 and 21, never landing on Washington's actual birth date.

Honouring multiple leaders

Over the decades, the observance broadened beyond Washington. Although Abraham Lincoln's birthday on February 12 was never a federal holiday, many individual states chose to unite the two February anniversaries. Today, state governments adopt different names and focal points. Several states recognise both Washington and Lincoln, while Alabama pairs Washington with Thomas Jefferson, and Arkansas honours Washington alongside civil rights activist Daisy Bates. Some regions, such as Massachusetts, host distinct proclamations in May for presidents with local heritage. Others, including Delaware, do not observe the holiday at all, while states like Indiana and Georgia have historically scheduled related paid days off around other holidays.

Traditions and observances

Across the United States, public offices, courts, and mail delivery pause for the holiday, while schools often take the day or week off. One enduring custom tied to the day is baking or eating cherry pie, inspired by the traditional tale of young Washington and the cherry tree. In Alexandria, Virginia, citizens mark the month with what is recognized as the country's longest-running George Washington parade, while Eustis, Florida, holds an annual festival that began in 1902. In the United States Senate, a tradition dating back to the Civil War in 1862 sees George Washington's Farewell Address read aloud to mark his legacy.

How Presidents' Day is kept

On the third Monday of February, federal offices, postal services, and many local government departments close. Schools often shut for the day or take an extended winter break, while retail stores hold promotional events. Historic sites such as Mount Vernon and the George Washington Birthplace host special gatherings, and towns like Alexandria, Virginia, stage commemorative parades. In the national legislature, a member of the Senate reads Washington's Farewell Address aloud, maintaining a civic ritual started during the Civil War. Families and community members often celebrate by preparing cherry pie.

When and where

The holiday occurs every year on the third Monday in February, falling between February 15 and February 21. It was moved to this floating Monday in 1971 by federal legislation to create a three-day holiday for workers.

The observance is kept across the United States. Notable community festivities take place in Alexandria and Westmoreland County in Virginia, as well as in Laredo, Texas, Eustis, Florida, and Denver, Colorado.

What Presidents' Day means

Originally meant to honour George Washington for leading the Continental Army and serving as the first chief executive, the occasion has evolved into a wider celebration of the presidency. For many, it honours the dual legacies of Washington and Abraham Lincoln in founding and preserving the nation, while also serving as a tribute to military service through the Purple Heart decoration revived on Washington's bicentennial.

On the table

• Cherry pie

Questions people ask about Presidents' Day

See also

Independence DayThe United States' national day of parades, barbecues and fireworks, kept each July 4Bastille DayFrance's national day marking the storming of the Bastille and the unity of the people on 14 July.Martin Luther King Jr. DayAn American federal holiday honouring the civil rights leader with service and remembranceLabor DayA national American holiday honouring the working class with parades and picnics

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Presidents' Day on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.