The following list indicates legal holidays (when government offices are closed) and business holidays (when many businesses, except some drugstores, service stations, and food stores are closed).
New Year's Day, January 1: Celebration usually occurs the night before, on New Year's Eve (listed below), when it is common for groups of people to have a party to celebrate the coming of the New Year.
Martin Luther King's Birthday, January 15: A legal holiday in some states, including Kentucky. He was a Baptist minister and social rights activist that was essential to the American civil rights movement, known for his speech "I Have a Dream."
Groundhog Day, February 2: Legend has it that this is when the groundhog emerges from hibernation. If he sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter.
Valentine's Day, February 14: It is a day for friends and lovers to exchange gifts or cards.
George Washington's Birthday, February 22, or nearest Monday: Celebrated in some states. George Washington was the first President of the United States.
President's Day, February, third Monday: This day celebrates past and current U.S. presidents, dated due to the February birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
Ash Wednesday, date varies: Marks the beginning of the 40 day period of Lent, a period of penitence and fasting in some Christian denominations.
St. Patrick's Day, March 17: Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. Many people wear something green on this day.
Easter Sunday, date varies (in March or April): Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For children, baskets of candy and eggs (hard boiled or even chocolate ones) are hidden by a mythical “Easter Bunny.” The children seek out the hidden eggs.