Patriots' Day, a proper noun identifying a state-level civic observance, is classified as a legal holiday in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This designation legally establishes it as an official bank holiday, mandating the closure of all state-chartered banking institutions on the third Monday of April.
The legal basis for this closure is found within Massachusetts General Laws, which lists Patriots' Day as a public holiday. Consequently, state and municipal government offices, public schools, and state-regulated businesses, including state-chartered banks, are required to close. It is crucial to distinguish this from federal holidays. As Patriots' Day is not a federal holiday, federally chartered banks are not legally obligated to close. However, many voluntarily cease operations for the day in observance of the local custom. This same status applies in Maine, the only other state to officially observe the holiday.
For practical purposes, individuals and businesses in Massachusetts should operate under the assumption that most in-person banking services will be unavailable on Patriots' Day. It is recommended to confirm the operating hours of specific branches, especially those of national, federally chartered banks. The holiday's observance also significantly impacts other public and private sector operations, including mail delivery, as federal offices like the United States Postal Service remain open.
