Louisiana Public Holidays

Louisiana State Holidays

Searching for the public holidays in Louisiana? Most public holidays in Louisiana are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Louisiana employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Louisiana and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Louisiana, a state known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and unique blend of traditions, observes a variety of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays include both national observances and state-specific celebrations, reflecting the state’s diverse cultural heritage and historical significance. From Mardi Gras, an iconic local celebration, to the more widely recognized federal holidays like Independence Day and Memorial Day, Louisiana’s public holidays provide opportunities for residents and visitors to reflect on the past, honor important figures, and enjoy community gatherings.

Federal Holidays in Louisiana

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day marks the first day of the year and is celebrated across Louisiana with a mix of festive gatherings and quiet reflection. In cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, celebrations often include parties, fireworks, and family gatherings. The day is a time for people to rest after the New Year’s Eve festivities and to begin the year with resolutions and fresh goals. Traditional food such as black-eyed peas and cabbage is eaten on this day for good luck.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, though some tourist attractions may remain open.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a key figure in the civil rights movement. In Louisiana, this day is observed with events such as parades, community service projects, and educational programs that reflect on King’s philosophy of equality, justice, and nonviolent protest. In cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport, there are marches and ceremonies that celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and continue to promote civil rights.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open in many cases, but some may close early or operate with reduced hours.

Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)

Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday that celebrates the birthdays of U.S. presidents, particularly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In Louisiana, the holiday is marked with educational programs and events, particularly in schools and museums, where people learn about the contributions of past presidents to the nation’s history. The holiday is also a popular shopping day, with many retail businesses holding sales.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, many holding sales events.

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to remembering and honoring U.S. military personnel who have died in service to their country. Louisiana observes Memorial Day with ceremonies, parades, and moments of reflection at various veterans’ memorials, particularly in cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The holiday also marks the unofficial start of summer, with many residents enjoying barbecues, picnics, and outdoor activities.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, though some may operate with reduced hours.

Independence Day (July 4)

Independence Day is one of the most significant holidays in Louisiana, as it commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Louisiana celebrates the day with fireworks, parades, and outdoor activities. In New Orleans, the largest city in the state, the day is marked with a spectacular fireworks display over the Mississippi River, live music, and community events. Many Louisiana residents also enjoy family barbecues, beach trips, and other summer activities.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, though some tourist areas remain open.

Labor Day (First Monday in September)

Labor Day honors the American labor movement and the contributions of workers to the U.S. economy. In Louisiana, the holiday is observed with parades, festivals, and outdoor gatherings. It also marks the unofficial end of summer, with many residents using the long weekend for travel, leisure, and family events. Labor Day also gives people the chance to reflect on the importance of workers’ rights and labor unions.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, though some may close early or operate with reduced hours.

Veterans Day (November 11)

Veterans Day honors U.S. military veterans who have served in the Armed Forces. In Louisiana, the day is observed with ceremonies, parades, and educational programs at local schools, government institutions, and veterans’ organizations. New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport host large parades, and the state’s many veterans’ memorials are sites for commemorative events. Veterans are honored with speeches, moments of reflection, and community events to recognize their service.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open in most areas, though some may host special events or offer discounts for veterans.

Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving Day is widely celebrated across Louisiana as a time to give thanks for the blessings of the past year. It is marked by family gatherings, large meals, and reflection. The holiday is also associated with charity and community service, as many people volunteer to help those in need, especially in cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Louisiana is known for its unique food traditions, such as gumbo, crawfish, and sweet potato pie, which are often featured on Thanksgiving tables.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, though some may open later for Black Friday sales.

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely observed across Louisiana. The holiday is marked by family gatherings, religious services, and festive meals. New Orleans is known for its elaborate holiday decorations, including the lighting of the Roosevelt Hotel’s lobby. Louisiana residents celebrate with a mix of traditional Christmas foods, music, and cultural events. Many people also take time to reflect on the past year and look forward to new beginnings.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, particularly retail stores and government offices.

State Holidays in Louisiana

In addition to the federal holidays, Louisiana also observes several state-specific holidays that reflect the state’s cultural heritage and history.

Mardi Gras Day (Date Varies)

Mardi Gras Day, also known as Fat Tuesday, is one of the most significant holidays in Louisiana, particularly in New Orleans. It marks the culmination of the Mardi Gras season, a period of revelry leading up to Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent in the Christian calendar. Mardi Gras is celebrated with parades, parties, masquerade balls, and festivals. The holiday is deeply ingrained in Louisiana’s French, African American, and Catholic heritage and is one of the state’s largest cultural events.

Observance:

• Government employees: May have the day off in some sectors.
• Schools: Closed, particularly in New Orleans.
• Private businesses: Many close or operate with reduced hours, especially in New Orleans.

St. Joseph’s Day (March 19)

St. Joseph’s Day is celebrated in Louisiana with roots in the state’s Italian-American population. The day honors St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers, and is particularly significant in communities with large Italian heritage. In New Orleans, the day is celebrated with altars dedicated to St. Joseph, feasts, and a variety of Italian culinary traditions. Many people also participate in religious services and community events on this day.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not an official public holiday, but may be observed in some sectors.
• Schools: Observed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open, though some Italian-owned businesses may close for the day.

Louisiana Purchase Day (April 30)

Louisiana Purchase Day commemorates the day in 1803 when the United States formally acquired the Louisiana Territory from France, doubling the size of the country. This day is significant in Louisiana’s history, as it marked the beginning of the state’s integration into the U.S. It is often observed with educational programs, particularly in schools and government buildings, that highlight the historical importance of the Louisiana Purchase.

Observance:

• Government employees: May have the day off in some sectors.
• Schools: Observed in many schools with educational activities.
• Private businesses: Open.

Holidays Observed by Specific Groups

Some holidays in Louisiana are observed by specific cultural or religious groups.

Good Friday (Date Varies)

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. While not an official public holiday in Louisiana, it is observed by many Christian communities with church services, processions, and religious rituals. Some businesses, particularly in the religious and educational sectors, may close or operate with reduced hours.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not observed.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Closed in some sectors.

Easter Sunday (Date Varies)

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is widely observed in Louisiana, particularly among Christian communities. People attend church services, gather for family meals, and participate in Easter egg hunts and other festive activities. While Easter is not a public holiday, it holds great cultural significance in the state, especially in the Catholic and Christian communities.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not observed.
• Schools: Closed in some areas.
• Private businesses: Closed in some sectors.

Juneteenth (June 19)

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, specifically the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Juneteenth is celebrated in Louisiana, especially in African American communities, with cultural events, educational programs, and public celebrations. The day marks an important chapter in American history and continues to be a day of reflection and recognition.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open, though some may host Juneteenth events.

Summary Table of Public Holidays and Observances in Louisiana

Holiday	Date	Government Employees	Schools	Private Businesses
New Year’s Day	January 1	Yes	Closed	Varies
Martin Luther King Jr. Day	Third Monday in January	Yes	Closed	Varies
Presidents’ Day	Third Monday in February	Yes	Closed	Varies
Memorial Day	Last Monday in May	Yes	Closed	Varies
Independence Day	July 4	Yes	Closed	Varies
Labor Day	First Monday in September	Yes	Closed	Varies
Veterans Day	November 11	Yes	Varies	Open
Thanksgiving Day	Fourth Thursday in November	Yes	Closed	Varies
Christmas Day	December 25	Yes	Closed	Varies
Mardi Gras Day	Date Varies	Yes (in some areas)	Closed	Varies
St. Joseph’s Day	March 19	Not observed	Varies	Open
Louisiana Purchase Day	April 30	Yes (in some sectors)	Varies	Open
Good Friday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Easter Sunday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Juneteenth	June 19	Yes	Varies	Varies