Travel Back in Time to Patriots’ Day
March 20, 2024
Every April, Massachusetts residents celebrate Patriots’ Day, when we commemorate the sacrifices of the militia and Minutemen on this fateful day. Learn more about how Lexington and Massachusetts celebrate this monumental holiday.
What is Patriots’ Day?
Patriots’ Day honors the brave soldiers and colonists who fought for America’s independence against Great Britain. On April 19, 1775, Patriots from Lexington and Concord battled the Red Coats for total independence from their land. This battle signaled the beginning of the American Revolution, where America soon became the free land it is today.
When is Patriots’ Day This Year?
Patriots’ Day is always celebrated on the third Monday of April. Originally, Patriots’ Day was celebrated on April 19, the same date the Battle of Lexington and Concord took place. However, in 1969, the Massachusetts Legislature changed Patriots’ Day from April 19 to the third Monday of the month. Patriots’ Day will take place on Monday, April 15, 2024.
What Is Open on Patriots’ Day?
On Patriots’ Day this year, federal offices, federal courts, banks, retail locations, liquor stores, supermarkets, public transportation, and post offices are open. State offices, the RMV, state courts, municipal offices, public schools, and libraries will be closed.
On Patriots’ Day, make sure to come by the Lexington Visitors Center, open from 6 am to 4 pm. Here, you can purchase tickets for a Liberty Ride Guided Trolley Tour or a one-hour Battle Green Walking Tour.
Patriots’ Day Weekend Events In Lexington
On Saturday, April 13, the Lexington Minutemen will gather on Battle Green to reenact the second call of arms for Captain John Parker’s Company of the Militia. Then, the Minutemen will march up to Mass Ave before continuing to Parker’s Revenge site in Minuteman National Historic Park. Here, they will conduct the Parker’s Revenge Wreath Laying Ceremony, the Parker’s Revenge Reenactment, and the Battle at Tower Park.
Sunday, April 14, you can catch Paul Revere’s reenactment as he rides on horseback to warn that the British are coming at 11:30 pm. Then, on Monday, April 15, the Patriots’ Day reenactment begins. Visitors can wake up early to hear the church bells ring that the British are coming. At 5:30 am, on the dot, British soldiers will march down Mass Ave. to meet the colonists for the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Following the reenacted battle, there will be pancake breakfasts and a parade at 2 pm.
Looking to catch the parade? The celebration will start on Massachusetts Ave and Maple Street in East Lexington and proceed west through Massachusetts Ave through Lexington Center, around the Lexington Common, and ending on Worthen Road at the town pool parking lot.
Discover more upcoming Patriots’ Day events, and visit Lexington today to book a tour!
