Washington's Birthday: A Presidents' Day Tradition Full of Surprises
Washington's Birthday shares the calendar with a spectacular party lineup in 2026 — Mardi Gras, Chinese New Year, and International Pancake Day all fall on February 17.
About Washington's Birthday
George Washington's birthday has been a federal holiday since 1879, making it one of America's oldest officially recognized celebrations. Originally observed on the third president's actual birth date of February 22, the holiday shifted to the third Monday of February through the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968. The move guaranteed workers a long winter weekend, though it also means the holiday never lands on Washington's real birthday.
Many people now call the occasion Presidents' Day, partly because Abraham Lincoln's February 12 birthday falls nearby and retailers long ago began combining the two into a single sales weekend. The federal government, however, still officially labels it Washington's Birthday. States handle the naming differently — some honor Washington alone, others salute all past commanders-in-chief, and a few use the day to recognize a broader slate of historical leaders.
Schools often use the occasion to teach children about the nation's first president and the precedents he set, from two-term limits to peaceful transfers of power. Communities may host patriotic reenactments, and cherry pie remains a popular nod to the legendary (if apocryphal) story of young George and his father's cherry tree.
Fun & National Days on February 17
- Champion Crab Races Day — Line up some crustaceans on a track and cheer for the speediest sideways sprinter you can find.
- Chinese New Year — Welcome the new lunar year with dumplings, red envelopes, fireworks, and joyful family gatherings.
- International Pancake Day — Stack them high, drown them in syrup, and savor every fluffy bite of breakfast perfection.
- Mardi Gras — Don your purple, gold, and green, catch some beads, and let the good times roll in true carnival style.
- My Way Day — Today you do you — confidently follow your own instincts and chart your own course.
- National Cabbage Day — Celebrate this humble, leafy vegetable in coleslaw, sauerkraut, or a hearty stew.
- National Café au Lait Day — Sip a comforting blend of coffee and hot milk, preferably at a Parisian-style sidewalk café.
- National Indian Pudding Day — Try this old-fashioned New England dessert of cornmeal, molasses, and warm baking spices.
- National PTA Founders' Day — Honor the century-old organization that connects parents and teachers in support of students.
- National Public Science Day — Explore a museum, try an experiment, or marvel at how science shapes everyday life.