Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day)

Washington's Birthday, commonly called Presidents' Day, is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the third Monday of February. It honors George Washington, the nation's first president, and is widely used to celebrate all U.S. presidents, with traditions and names varying by state.

• Observed on the third Monday in February across the U.S.
• Honors George Washington and, in many states, Abraham Lincoln
• Known by different names in various states
• Traditionally associated with cherry pie
• Federal and state offices typically close for the day

What it is

Washington's Birthday, known to many as Presidents' Day, is a national holiday in the United States that pays tribute to George Washington, the country's first president. Over time, the day has come to honor not only Washington but also Abraham Lincoln and, more broadly, the office of the presidency itself. Depending on the state, it may be called Presidents' Day, Washington's Birthday, or a combination of names, reflecting local traditions and which leaders are commemorated. For many Americans, it is a moment to reflect on the nation's history and the contributions of its leaders.

Where it comes from

The holiday began as a federal observance of George Washington's birthday, first implemented in 1879 for government offices in Washington, D.C., and expanded nationwide in 1885. Originally celebrated on February 22, the actual date of Washington's birth (as adjusted to the Gregorian calendar), the holiday was moved to the third Monday in February in 1971 to create a long weekend for workers. The shift, part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, led to the broader use of the name Presidents' Day and the inclusion of other presidents, especially Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday falls nearby.

How it is celebrated

Presidents' Day is marked by a mix of official ceremonies, community events, and family gatherings. Some communities hold parades or public readings about presidential history, while others focus on educational activities in schools. A traditional food associated with the holiday is cherry pie, inspired by the popular legend of young Washington and the cherry tree. Many government offices, banks, and schools close for the day, though most businesses remain open, often featuring special sales. The holiday's observance varies by state, with some focusing on Washington alone, others including Lincoln, and some honoring all U.S. presidents.

Joining in

If you visit the United States during Presidents' Day, expect a quieter atmosphere in government buildings and schools, but lively activity in shops and malls due to widespread sales. In places like Alexandria, Virginia, where Washington lived, you may find special events and historical reenactments throughout February. While there are no set rituals for visitors, joining a local parade, sampling cherry pie, or exploring presidential sites can offer a sense of the day's significance.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Presidents' Day, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Presidents' Day on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.