Presidents' Day: History, Significance, and How It Is Celebrated in the USA

The Presidents' Day is one of the most important national holidays in the United States. In 2025, the date will be celebrated on February 17, always on the third Monday of February.

This holiday is an opportunity for Americans to reflect on the impact and legacy of their leaders, with special emphasis on George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, two of the most influential presidents in U.S. history.

📜 What is Presidents' Day?

The Presidents' Day is a federal holiday in the United States that honors all the presidents of the country, past and present. Originally, the date was established to celebrate the birthday of George Washington (February 22), but over time, it also came to include the memory of Abraham Lincoln (born on February 12).

Today, the date is not only a historical tribute but also one of the main holidays for commerce and domestic tourism in the U.S.

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Full Calendar of George Washington's Birthday until 2050

⏳ History of Presidents' Day

🔹 Origin of the holiday

The holiday was originally established in 1879, as Washington’s Birthday, a day dedicated exclusively to honoring the first president of the USA, George Washington.

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However, during the 20th century, the American Congress proposed adjustments to holidays to create more long weekends. In 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was passed, moving the date to the third Monday in February, with the aim of boosting tourism and the commercial sector.

With this change, the holiday became popularly known as Presidents' Day, broadening the tribute to all American presidents.

🏛 How Do Americans Celebrate Presidents' Day?

🎉 Events and Traditions

Although Presidents' Day does not have a single standard of celebration, some popular traditions include:

✔️ Patriotic Events and Parades: Some cities hold parades and ceremonies in honor of American leaders.
✔️ Visits to Museums and Monuments: Historical sites such as the Lincoln Memorial and Mount Vernon (home of George Washington) welcome thousands of visitors.
✔️ Sales and Discounts: Presidents' Day has become one of the biggest shopping days in the U.S., with major promotions in stores and malls.
✔️ Educational Activities: Schools and institutions hold programs to teach about the importance of former presidents.

Additionally, many Americans take advantage of the long weekend to travel and spend time with family.

🇺🇸 What is the impact of Presidents' Day in the USA?

The Presidents' Day has a significant impact on the economy, culture, and politics of the United States. Here are some statistics:

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📌 Retail Sector: Presidents' Day generates billions of dollars in retail sales. Major brands hold promotions on electronics, furniture, and automobiles.
📌 Tourism and Leisure: During the holiday, tourist spots like Washington D.C., New York, and Mount Rushmore see high traffic.
📌 Politics and Culture: The holiday is also a time to reflect on the journey of American democracy and the role of presidents in building the country.

🏆 Facts about Presidents' Day

🔹 The official name of the holiday is still "Washington's Birthday", but popular usage has consolidated "Presidents' Day".
🔹 Only nine U.S. presidents were born in February, including Washington and Lincoln.
🔹 The holiday is not mandatory for all private companies – some operate normally.
🔹 During Presidents' Day, the White House and other government agencies may host special events.

🔥 Fun Facts about Some U.S. Presidents

1️⃣ Which US president would have won a punch fight? 🥊

The United States has had several presidents who were experienced fighters. Abraham Lincoln, for example, was a superb wrestling fighter and lost only one match out of more than 300 contested! If there were a punch tournament among the presidents, who would win?

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2️⃣ Has any US president ever been arrested? 🚔

Yes! Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the US, was arrested for speeding – believe it or not, while driving a carriage! He was ticketed by a police officer from Washington D.C. for going too fast. No other president has been officially arrested while in office.

3️⃣ Has any president ever mysteriously disappeared? 🕵️

Yes! President Calvin Coolidge was known for his discreet behavior, but on one occasion he simply vanished from the White House without notifying anyone. He was found fishing alone in a remote lake, without any security.

4️⃣ Which president had the most bizarre pet? 🦅🐊

Several presidents had exotic animals, but one of the most insane was John Quincy Adams, who kept an alligator in the White House! The reptile was a gift from the French general Marquis de Lafayette, and Adams kept the animal in a bathroom of the White House for months.

5️⃣ Is it true that a U.S. president was a cannibal? 🍖😱

Technically, yes! During a military expedition, future president Andrew Jackson led troops that faced extreme food shortages, and there are historical reports that some soldiers practiced cannibalism to survive. Although there is no evidence that Jackson ate human flesh, he was in command during the event.

✍️ Conclusion

The Presidents' Day goes far beyond a simple holiday. It represents the evolution of American history, the recognition of its leaders, and the celebration of democracy.

Whether visiting monuments, enjoying promotions, or simply reflecting on the impact of former presidents, this holiday remains an important date for the United States.