The phrase "when is patriots day in ma this year" functions as an interrogative clause, a grammatical structure used to ask a direct question. The central subject of this inquiry, "Patriots' Day," is a proper noun. The clause's primary purpose is to solicit a specific temporal data pointa datewhich serves as the definitive answer to the query. Therefore, the entire phrase operates as a request for the specific calendar instance of the proper noun within the specified year.
In 2024, Patriots' Day is observed on Monday, April 15. By state law in Massachusetts and Maine, the holiday is officially celebrated on the third Monday in April. This observance commemorates the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which took place on April 19, 1775, and were the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War. The date was shifted from the fixed anniversary of April 19th to the third Monday in 1969 to create a three-day weekend.
The practical application of this floating holiday schedule is most famously demonstrated by its connection to the Boston Marathon. This internationally renowned race has been held on Patriots' Day annually since 1897, making the date significant not only for its historical commemoration but also for its role in a major contemporary cultural and athletic event. The timing affects municipal services, school schedules, and business operations throughout the region, solidifying its importance beyond a simple historical remembrance.
