For Americans, as for people from other countries, holidays are a nice occasion for spending time with family and commemorating major events for their nation. In the United States, there are state holidays and federal holidays. As the name suggests, state ones are celebrated only in individual regions. Federal (national) holidays are observed in the entire country and are the most important days for Americans. In this article, we will take a closer look at federal holidays in the USA 2023, celebrations, and how they affect business.
Federal holidays in the USA 2023
New Year’s Day
January 1, 2023
As in any other country, the new year is celebrated in the USA with a bang. During New Year, we can expect mass migrations in the country, especially to New York, where the holiday is celebrated at Times Square. It is estimated that there are around one million people at the square on this particular day, waiting for the famous ball drop.
New Year’s is a federal holiday, so all government offices, schools, and public institutions are closed. Around New Year’s Day, we can experience higher air traffic volumes. People from all around the world fly to New York to experience the Times Square event in person.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 16, 2023
The holiday is celebrated on the third Monday of January, close to Martin Luther’s King birthday (January 15). It is a day to commemorate the activities of African American activist and the Nobel Peace Prize Winner. President Ronald Reagan established the holiday in 1983, over a decade after the murder of Martin Luther King (April 4, 1968). His historic speech “I have a dream” is still recognized by activists worldwide.
During this day, we observe various parades and charity marches, especially in Atlanta, Georgia, where the activist was born. It is the first of two federal holidays established for a historical figure.
Government offices and some schools are closed during this day, while others organize special activities and classes where students learn about the life and work of Martin Luther King.
Washington’s Birthday
February 20, 2023
It is a second federal holiday established for one of the most prominent figures in the history of the USA. The birthday of George Washington, the first President of the United States, is celebrated on the third Monday of February.
Americans also call it President’s Day. During this day, all late presidents of the US are commemorated.
During this time, most public institutions and businesses remain open. Schools are often closed for the entire week, as the holiday covers their winter break.
Memorial Day
May 29, 2023
Memorial Day is a holiday to commemorate all American soldiers who fell during their service. On this day, Americans visit the graves of the soldiers, sometimes laying wreaths and flowers.
Currently, it is also a widespread practice to celebrate this day with a family at a picnic during sports or cultural events. It is also a holiday that marks the beginning of the summer, as it takes place on the last Monday of May.
During this time, all institutions and businesses are closed. As the holiday takes place during the long weekend, many people take short trips with family and friends.
Independence Day
July 4, 2023
The Independent Day was established in the United States on July 4, 1776. For the first time, John Adams wrote about it in 1776, describing the event as “pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations.” It stayed like this till today.
Independence Day is the most “American” holiday, known by most nations all around the world. It is a day celebrating tradition and political freedom, which Americans spend with their families and loved ones outdoors, taking part in picnics and sports like baseball, various races, and hot dog eating contests.
During this day, American flags are everywhere – outside houses, government offices, schools, etc. All public institutions, schools, and businesses stay closed for the entire day.
Labor Day
September 4, 2023
Labor Day is always on the first Monday of September. The first Labor Day was celebrated in 1882. It was established by union members from New York who wanted to have at least one day during the year to celebrate the hard work of workers.
Labor Day is unofficially a symbol of the end of summer, as all children return to school. It is a perfect occasion for an extended weekend, so we can expect traffic jams on the roads and increased air passenger traffic. In addition, Americans spend their time on activities like picnics, sports games, or playing American football as the season begins.
Columbus Day
October 9, 2023
It is a day that marks the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. The holiday is celebrated mainly by Americans of Italian descent or by Italians living in the States, as Columbus himself was an Italian.
As the holiday always takes place on Monday, it is a great opportunity to have an extended. Although it is not celebrated in all states, all institutions and schools stay closed as it is a federal holiday.
Veterans Day
November 11, 2023
Veterans Day is a holiday established by President Woodrow Wilson. It is often called Armistice Day and commemorates the end of the first World War and the soldiers who lost their lives.
There are many parades organized on Veterans Day. The biggest one takes place in New York, where around two thousand people meet near the Eternal Light Flagstaff statue to lay wreaths.
During the holiday, all government offices stay closed, and some schools remain open to provide students with a day of special activities and events. At 11 a.m. in public places, we can observe two minutes of silence dedicated to the Fallen.
Thanksgiving Day
November 23, 2023
The second most popular American holiday has its roots in colonial times. It is a chance to commemorate the first harvest of colony citizens after a hard winter. During this day, colonists and native Americans celebrated together the first plentiful crops. The most popular dishes prepared for this holiday are roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
As it is one of the most important holidays in the USA, government offices and schools remain closed, with all celebrations taking place at home.
The holiday is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The next day is Black Friday, and the American indulge in a shopping spree to get the best deals.
Christmas Day
December 25, 2023
How is Christmas celebrated in the United States? First, the celebrations differ from the traditions observed in European Christian society. For example, Christmas Eve and the Second Day of Christmas are not celebrated in the USA.
Christmas Day is dedicated to spending time enjoying cuisine among family and friends. Gifts are opened on December 25 in the morning, while the rest of the celebrations take place in the evening. During this period, we can see beautifully decorated houses that Americans pride themselves in. The holiday spirit is embraced from the end of November.
During this day, all government offices, state institutions, and schools are closed, and traffic between the states increases.
Holidays in the USA 2023 – calendar
Holidays in the USA 2023 – what about business?
As the federal holidays are celebrated in all states, before our trip, we should also get to know the holidays celebrated in target regions. During such holidays, businesses can be closed, so contacting your business partner may be difficult.
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