How many US federal holidays are there in a year? This question is often asked by both locals and tourists alike, as understanding the holidays is crucial for planning events, celebrations, and travel. The United States has a total of 10 federal holidays, which are designated by Congress and observed by federal employees. These holidays have a significant impact on the country’s calendar and are celebrated with various traditions and festivities.
The first federal holiday is New Year’s Day, which marks the beginning of the calendar year. It is celebrated on January 1st and is a time for reflection, celebration, and the setting of resolutions. The second holiday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which honors the civil rights leader and is observed on the third Monday in January. This holiday encourages people to remember his contributions to the fight for equality and justice.
Following Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February. This holiday commemorates the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and it is a time to honor the nation’s leaders and their contributions to the country. Next on the calendar is Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday in May. This holiday honors those who have died while serving in the military and is often marked by parades, speeches, and the placing of flags at gravesites.
After Memorial Day, Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is the next federal holiday. It is celebrated on July 4th and marks the birth of the United States of America. Independence Day is a time for fireworks, parades, and patriotic displays, as well as for family gatherings and barbecues. Labor Day, observed on the first Monday in September, is the next holiday and is dedicated to the labor movement and the achievements of workers.
Following Labor Day, Columbus Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October. This holiday honors Christopher Columbus, who is credited with discovering the New World. While some people still celebrate this holiday, others have begun to replace it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which recognizes the Native American peoples who were affected by Columbus’ arrival. Halloween, which is not a federal holiday, falls on October 31st and is a time for costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky decorations.
After Halloween, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. It is a time for families to gather and give thanks for the year’s blessings. This holiday is marked by a traditional turkey dinner and is often followed by Black Friday, which is the start of the holiday shopping season. Finally, Christmas, observed on December 25th, is the last federal holiday of the year. It is a time for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and for exchanging gifts with loved ones.
In conclusion, the United States has 10 federal holidays that are celebrated throughout the year. These holidays play a significant role in American culture and are a time for reflection, celebration, and family gatherings. Whether you are a local or a visitor, understanding these holidays can help you plan your activities and enjoy the festive spirit that comes with each one.
