Martin Luther King Jr. Day in United States in 2025

Martin Luther King Jr. needs no introduction. He was an American activist who significantly contributed to the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. He is still largely remembered for his nonviolent approach towards civil rights and is considered to be influenced from Mahatma Gandhi.

Also known as the MLK Day, it is observed on third Monday of January each year and is set under Uniform Monday Holiday Act (President Ronald Regan signed the holiday into a law in 1983). It is a federal holiday on which all the government offices remain closed for the entire day. The idea of having an off this day is believed to be pitched by various labor unions across the country to commemorate his sacrifices during the civil rights transformation era. He is known for his campaigns to end racial inequality.

MLK Day is relatively new federal holiday and hence has any fixed traditions regarding its celebration but the day is celebrated to emphasize and promote racial equality in America irrespective of caste, religion, and background. Schools, colleges and many government institutions conduct programs to highlight MLK’s work, sacrifices and struggle.

List of Holidays in United States in 2025