Mastodon

Observances

Numerous religious, civil, cultural, and personal observances are marked with a special image and message on Off on a Tangent. Generally, these include:

  • Religious observances in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington
    • Holy Days of Obligation
    • Days of Fasting and Abstinence
    • Principal celebrations and other solemnities
    • Other selected observances
  • Civil observances in Loudoun County, Virginia
    • United States federal holidays
    • Commonwealth of Virginia holidays
    • Loudoun County holidays
    • Other selected observances
  • Personal, family, and cultural observances
  • One-off observances declared by religious and civil authorities

Observances may be excluded if they commemorate morally objectionable people or events. Observance images are from public domain or royalty free sources, used under the “fair use” doctrine, or used with permission, as described on the copyright attribution page.

The following observances are currently scheduled (subject to change).

January 1, 2024: Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Celebrating the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Christ and, thus, of God.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

January 1, 2024: New Year’s Day

Celebrating the new year. May God bless and keep you in 2024!

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

January 4, 2024: Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Remembering the educator, convert, and first American-born canonized saint.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

January 7, 2024: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Celebrating the visit of the Three Wise Men and the revelation of Christ.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

January 15, 2024: Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.

Celebrating Rev. Dr. King, the civil rights movement, and racial equality.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday
(a.k.a. Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

January 22, 2024: Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

Celebrating the dignity of every person from conception. Every life matters.

Catholic Observance

February 1, 2024: National Freedom Day

Celebrating the 13th Amendment and the end of slavery in the United States.

U.S. Federal Observance

February 10, 2024: Chinese New Year (農曆新年)

Celebrating the beginning of the Year of the Wood Dragon. 恭喜發財!

Cultural Observance

February 14, 2024: Ash Wednesday

Beginning the season of Lent. “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Catholic Day of Fasting and Abstinence
Liturgical Color: Violet

February 19, 2024: Washington’s Birthday

Celebrating George Washington, one of the founders and the first U.S. President.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
(a.k.a. George Washington Day)

February 19, 2024: Presidents Day

Celebrating those who have served as President of the United States.

Loudoun County Holiday

March 4, 2024: Trevor Brown Memorial

Honoring the memory of Sterling, Virginia, Volunteer Firefighter Trevor Brown.

Special Observance
U.S. flag at half-staff in Virginia from sunrise to sunset

March 19, 2024: Solemnity of Saint Joseph

Celebrating Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and stepfather of Christ.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

March 24, 2024: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Remembering Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem, anticipating his passion and death.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: Red

March 28, 2024: Thursday of Holy Week

Remembering Jesus’s last supper and the institution of the Holy Eucharist.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White
(a.k.a. Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday)

March 29, 2024: Friday of the Passion of the Lord

Remembering Christ’s suffering and death on the cross in remittance of our sins.

Catholic Day of Fasting and Abstinence
Liturgical Color: Red
(a.k.a. Good Friday)

March 30, 2024: Holy Saturday

Remembering Christ in the tomb and the silence before resurrection glory.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: Violet

March 31, 2024: Solemnity of the Resurrection of the Lord

Celebrating Easter, Christ’s triumph over death and sin. He is risen!

Principal Catholic Celebration
Liturgical Color: White
(a.k.a. Easter)

April 4, 2024: Memorial of Saint Isidore

Remembering Isidore of Seville, teacher, bishop, and doctor of the church.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

April 8, 2024: Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Celebrating the announcement of Christ to Mary by the Angel Gabriel.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

April 11, 2024: My Confirmation Day

Celebrating Confirmation, the sign and seal of the Holy Spirit.

Personal Observance

April 13, 2024: Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday

Honoring Jefferson, founder, author of the Declaration of Independence.

U.S. Federal Observance

May 2, 2024: National Day of Prayer

Turning to God in prayer, fasting, and meditation for our nation and the world.

U.S. Federal Observance
Virginia State Observance

May 3, 2024: Polish Constitution Day

Celebrating the 1791 Polish constitution and Polish culture and history.

Cultural Observance

May 12, 2024: Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Celebrating the ascent of Christ, body and soul, to the father’s side in heaven.

Principal Catholic Celebration
Liturgical Color: White

May 15, 2024: Peace Officers Memorial Day

Remembering all those who gave their lives in law enforcement service.

U.S. Federal Observance
U.S. flag at half-staff nationwide from sunrise to sunset

May 19, 2024: Solemnity of Pentecost

Commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the church.

Principal Catholic Celebration
Liturgical Color: Red

May 26, 2024: Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Celebrating the Trinity, one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

May 27, 2024: Memorial Day

Remembering all those who gave their lives in United States military service.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday
U.S. flag at half-staff nationwide from sunrise to noon

May 28, 2024: My Wedding Anniversary

Honoring my marriage and the inviolable Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

Personal Observance

June 2, 2024: Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Celebrating Christ’s sacrifice and the Holy Eucharist.

Principal Catholic Celebration
Liturgical Color: White
(a.k.a. Corpus Christi or Body of Christ)

June 7, 2024: Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Celebrating Christ’s Sacred Heart, a symbol of his love for all people.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

June 14, 2024: Flag Day

Celebrating the American flag as a timeless symbol of freedom and liberty.

U.S. Federal Observance

June 19, 2024: Juneteenth National Independence Day

Celebrating the emancipation and the end of slavery in the United States.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday
(a.k.a. Juneteenth)

June 22, 2024: Memorial of Saint Thomas More

Remembering Thomas More, philosopher and statesman, martyr for the faith.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: Red

June 24, 2024: Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Celebrating the birth of John the Baptist, holy precursor of Jesus Christ.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

June 29, 2024: Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

Celebrating Peter, apostle and first pope, and Paul, apostle and scripture writer.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: Red

July 4, 2024: Independence Day

Celebrating U.S. independence from England as declared on July 4, 1776.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

July 12, 2024: Memorial of Saint Veronica

Remembering Veronica and the miraculous image of Jesus Christ.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

August 13, 2024: Memorial of Blessed Michael J. McGivney

Remembering the defender of the needy and founder of the Knights of Columbus.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

August 14, 2024: Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Remembering the priest and martyr of charity who offered up his life for another.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: Red

August 15, 2024: Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary

Celebrating Mary’s assumption into heaven by the power of Jesus Christ.

Catholic Holy Day of Obligation
Liturgical Color: White

September 2, 2024: Labor Day

Celebrating laborers’ essential contributions to American prosperity.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

September 11, 2024: Patriot Day

Remembering the victims of the September 11, 2001, Islamist terrorist attacks.

U.S. Federal Observance
U.S. flag at half-staff nationwide from sunrise to sunset

September 16, 2024: Mayflower Day

Remembering the Mayflower pilgrims’ 1620 arrival in Massachusetts.

Cultural Observance

September 17, 2024: Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

Celebrating the U.S. Constitution and citizens by birth or naturalization.

U.S. Federal Observance
Virginia State Observance

September 17, 2024: Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節)

Celebrating the mid-autumn, a time of gathering, thanksgiving, and prayer.

Cultural Observance

October 1, 2024: Memorial of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus

Honoring the faith of the “little flower,” virgin and doctor of the church.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

October 9, 2024: Leif Erikson Day

Honoring Leif Erikson, explorer and first known European to discover America.

U.S. Federal Observance

October 12, 2024: Memorial of Blessed Carlo Acutis

Honoring the first “millennial” saint and patron of website development.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

October 14, 2024: Columbus Day

Honoring Christopher Columbus and the European discovery of the Americas.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
(a.k.a. Columbus Day & Yorktown Victory Day)

October 14, 2024: Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Celebrating the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Loudoun County Holiday

October 19, 2024: Yorktown Day

Celebrating the U.S. victory over the British at the Battle of Yorktown.

Virginia State Observance

October 28, 2024: Feast of Saints Simon and Jude

Honoring Simon, apostle, and Jude, apostle and patron saint of lost causes.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: Red

October 28, 2024: My Birthday

Today is the anniversary of my birth. Hooray. Three cheers.

Personal Observance

November 1, 2024: Solemnity of All Saints

Honoring all of the known and unknown saints who have gone to glory before us.

Catholic Holy Day of Obligation
Liturgical Color: White

November 5, 2024: Election Day

Go vote (if you are eligible). Today is election day in the United States.

Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday
U.S. Federal Observance

November 11, 2024: Veterans Day

Celebrating all those who served honorably in the United States armed forces.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

November 24, 2024: Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Celebrating Christ’s kingship and his dominion over the whole universe.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White
(a.k.a. Christ the King)

November 28, 2024: Thanksgiving Day

Giving thanks to God for all that we have as individuals and as a nation.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

November 29, 2024: Day After Thanksgiving

Continuing to give thanks for all that we have as individuals and as a nation.

Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

December 1, 2024: First Sunday of Advent

Beginning a season of penance in preparation for the coming of Christ.

Principal Catholic Celebration
Liturgical Color: Violet

December 7, 2024: National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Remembering the December 7, 1941, Imperial Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

U.S. Federal Observance
Virginia State Observance
U.S. flag at half-staff nationwide from sunrise to sunset

December 9, 2024: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary

Celebrating God’s preservation of the Blessed Virgin Mary from original sin.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

December 12, 2024: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Celebrating the image of Mary revealed on Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City, Mexico.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

December 15, 2024: Bill of Rights Day

Celebrating the U.S. Bill of Rights, human rights, and limited government.

Virginia State Observance

December 20, 2024: My Baptism Day

Celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism, rebirth into new life as a Christian.

Personal Observance

December 25, 2024: Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord

Celebrating Christmas, the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.

Catholic Holy Day of Obligation
Liturgical Color: White
(a.k.a. Christmas)

December 25, 2024: Christmas Day

Celebrating the cultural and religious Christmas holiday.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

December 31, 2024: New Year’s Eve

Commemorating the end of 2024 and looking forward to a new year.

Cultural Observance

January 1, 2025: Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Celebrating the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Christ and, thus, of God.

Catholic Holy Day of Obligation
Liturgical Color: White

January 1, 2025: New Year’s Day

Celebrating the new year. May God bless and keep you in 2025!

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

January 4, 2025: Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Remembering the educator, convert, and first American-born canonized saint.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

January 5, 2025: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Celebrating the visit of the Three Wise Men and the revelation of Christ.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

January 20, 2025: Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.

Celebrating Rev. Dr. King, the civil rights movement, and racial equality.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday
(a.k.a. Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

January 22, 2025: Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

Celebrating the dignity of every person from conception. Every life matters.

Catholic Observance

January 29, 2025: Chinese New Year (農曆新年)

Celebrating the beginning of the Year of the Wood Snake. 恭喜發財!

Cultural Observance

February 1, 2025: National Freedom Day

Celebrating the 13th Amendment and the end of slavery in the United States.

U.S. Federal Observance

February 17, 2025: Washington’s Birthday

Celebrating George Washington, one of the founders and the first U.S. President.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
(a.k.a. George Washington Day)

February 17, 2025: Presidents Day

Celebrating those who have served as President of the United States.

Loudoun County Holiday

March 5, 2025: Ash Wednesday

Beginning the season of Lent. “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Catholic Day of Fasting and Abstinence
Liturgical Color: Violet

March 19, 2025: Solemnity of Saint Joseph

Celebrating Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and stepfather of Christ.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

March 25, 2025: Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Celebrating the announcement of Christ to Mary by the Angel Gabriel.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

April 4, 2025: Memorial of Saint Isidore

Remembering Isidore of Seville, teacher, bishop, and doctor of the church.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

April 11, 2025: My Confirmation Day

Celebrating Confirmation, the sign and seal of the Holy Spirit.

Personal Observance

April 13, 2025: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Remembering Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem, anticipating his passion and death.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: Red

April 13, 2025: Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday

Honoring Jefferson, founder, author of the Declaration of Independence.

U.S. Federal Observance

April 17, 2025: Thursday of Holy Week

Remembering Jesus’s last supper and the institution of the Holy Eucharist.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White
(a.k.a. Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday)

April 18, 2025: Friday of the Passion of the Lord

Remembering Christ’s suffering and death on the cross in remittance of our sins.

Catholic Day of Fasting and Abstinence
Liturgical Color: Red
(a.k.a. Good Friday)

April 19, 2025: Holy Saturday

Remembering Christ in the tomb and the silence before resurrection glory.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: Violet

April 20, 2025: Solemnity of the Resurrection of the Lord

Celebrating Easter, Christ’s triumph over death and sin. He is risen!

Principal Catholic Celebration
Liturgical Color: White
(a.k.a. Easter)

May 1, 2025: National Day of Prayer

Turning to God in prayer, fasting, and meditation for our nation and the world.

U.S. Federal Observance
Virginia State Observance

May 3, 2025: Polish Constitution Day

Celebrating the 1791 Polish constitution and Polish culture and history.

Cultural Observance

May 15, 2025: Peace Officers Memorial Day

Remembering all those who gave their lives in law enforcement service.

U.S. Federal Observance
U.S. flag at half-staff nationwide from sunrise to sunset

May 26, 2025: Memorial Day

Remembering all those who gave their lives in United States military service.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday
U.S. flag at half-staff nationwide from sunrise to noon

May 28, 2025: My Wedding Anniversary

Honoring my marriage and the inviolable Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

Personal Observance

June 1, 2025: Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Celebrating the ascent of Christ, body and soul, to the father’s side in heaven.

Principal Catholic Celebration
Liturgical Color: White

June 8, 2025: Solemnity of Pentecost

Commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the church.

Principal Catholic Celebration
Liturgical Color: Red

June 14, 2025: Flag Day

Celebrating the American flag as a timeless symbol of freedom and liberty.

U.S. Federal Observance

June 15, 2025: Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Celebrating the Trinity, one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

June 19, 2025: Juneteenth National Independence Day

Celebrating the emancipation and the end of slavery in the United States.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday
(a.k.a. Juneteenth)

June 22, 2025: Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Celebrating Christ’s sacrifice and the Holy Eucharist.

Principal Catholic Celebration
Liturgical Color: White
(a.k.a. Corpus Christi or Body of Christ)

June 22, 2025: Memorial of Saint Thomas More

Remembering Thomas More, philosopher and statesman, martyr for the faith.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: Red

June 24, 2025: Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Celebrating the birth of John the Baptist, holy precursor of Jesus Christ.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

June 27, 2025: Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Celebrating Christ’s Sacred Heart, a symbol of his love for all people.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

June 29, 2025: Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

Celebrating Peter, apostle and first pope, and Paul, apostle and scripture writer.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: Red

July 4, 2025: Independence Day

Celebrating U.S. independence from England as declared on July 4, 1776.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

July 12, 2025: Memorial of Saint Veronica

Remembering Veronica and the miraculous image of Jesus Christ.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

August 13, 2025: Memorial of Blessed Michael J. McGivney

Remembering the defender of the needy and founder of the Knights of Columbus.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

August 14, 2025: Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Remembering the priest and martyr of charity who offered up his life for another.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: Red

August 15, 2025: Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary

Celebrating Mary’s assumption into heaven by the power of Jesus Christ.

Catholic Holy Day of Obligation
Liturgical Color: White

September 1, 2025: Labor Day

Celebrating laborers’ essential contributions to American prosperity.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

September 6, 2025: Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節)

Celebrating the mid-autumn, a time of gathering, thanksgiving, and prayer.

Cultural Observance

September 11, 2025: Patriot Day

Remembering the victims of the September 11, 2001, Islamist terrorist attacks.

U.S. Federal Observance
U.S. flag at half-staff nationwide from sunrise to sunset

September 16, 2025: Mayflower Day

Remembering the Mayflower pilgrims’ 1620 arrival in Massachusetts.

Cultural Observance

September 17, 2025: Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

Celebrating the U.S. Constitution and citizens by birth or naturalization.

U.S. Federal Observance
Virginia State Observance

October 1, 2025: Memorial of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus

Honoring the faith of the “little flower,” virgin and doctor of the church.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

October 9, 2025: Leif Erikson Day

Honoring Leif Erikson, explorer and first known European to discover America.

U.S. Federal Observance

October 12, 2025: Memorial of Blessed Carlo Acutis

Honoring the first “millennial” saint and patron of website development.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

October 13, 2025: Columbus Day

Honoring Christopher Columbus and the European discovery of the Americas.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
(a.k.a. Columbus Day & Yorktown Victory Day)

October 13, 2025: Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Celebrating the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Loudoun County Holiday

October 19, 2025: Yorktown Day

Celebrating the U.S. victory over the British at the Battle of Yorktown.

Virginia State Observance

October 28, 2025: Feast of Saints Simon and Jude

Honoring Simon, apostle, and Jude, apostle and patron saint of lost causes.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: Red

October 28, 2025: My Birthday

Today is the anniversary of my birth. Hooray. Three cheers.

Personal Observance

November 1, 2025: Solemnity of All Saints

Honoring all of the known and unknown saints who have gone to glory before us.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

November 4, 2025: Election Day

Go vote (if you are eligible). Today is election day in the United States.

Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday
U.S. Federal Observance

November 11, 2025: Veterans Day

Celebrating all those who served honorably in the United States armed forces.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

November 23, 2025: Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Celebrating Christ’s kingship and his dominion over the whole universe.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White
(a.k.a. Christ the King)

November 27, 2025: Thanksgiving Day

Giving thanks to God for all that we have as individuals and as a nation.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

November 28, 2025: Day After Thanksgiving

Continuing to give thanks for all that we have as individuals and as a nation.

Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

November 30, 2025: First Sunday of Advent

Beginning a season of penance in preparation for the coming of Christ.

Principal Catholic Celebration
Liturgical Color: Violet

December 7, 2025: National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Remembering the December 7, 1941, Imperial Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

U.S. Federal Observance
Virginia State Observance
U.S. flag at half-staff nationwide from sunrise to sunset

December 8, 2025: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary

Celebrating God’s preservation of the Blessed Virgin Mary from original sin.

Catholic Holy Day of Obligation
Liturgical Color: White

December 12, 2025: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Celebrating the image of Mary revealed on Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City, Mexico.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

December 15, 2025: Bill of Rights Day

Celebrating the U.S. Bill of Rights, human rights, and limited government.

Virginia State Observance

December 20, 2025: My Baptism Day

Celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism, rebirth into new life as a Christian.

Personal Observance

December 25, 2025: Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord

Celebrating Christmas, the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.

Catholic Holy Day of Obligation
Liturgical Color: White
(a.k.a. Christmas)

December 25, 2025: Christmas Day

Celebrating the cultural and religious Christmas holiday.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

December 31, 2025: New Year’s Eve

Commemorating the end of 2025 and looking forward to a new year.

Cultural Observance

January 1, 2026: Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Celebrating the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Christ and, thus, of God.

Catholic Holy Day of Obligation
Liturgical Color: White

January 1, 2026: New Year’s Day

Celebrating the new year. May God bless and keep you in 2026!

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

January 4, 2026: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Celebrating the visit of the Three Wise Men and the revelation of Christ.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

January 4, 2026: Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Remembering the educator, convert, and first American-born canonized saint.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

January 19, 2026: Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.

Celebrating Rev. Dr. King, the civil rights movement, and racial equality.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday
(a.k.a. Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

January 22, 2026: Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

Celebrating the dignity of every person from conception. Every life matters.

Catholic Observance

February 1, 2026: National Freedom Day

Celebrating the 13th Amendment and the end of slavery in the United States.

U.S. Federal Observance

February 16, 2026: Washington’s Birthday

Celebrating George Washington, one of the founders and the first U.S. President.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
(a.k.a. George Washington Day)

February 16, 2026: Presidents Day

Celebrating those who have served as President of the United States.

Loudoun County Holiday

February 17, 2026: Chinese New Year (農曆新年)

Celebrating the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse. 恭喜發財!

Cultural Observance

February 18, 2026: Ash Wednesday

Beginning the season of Lent. “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Catholic Day of Fasting and Abstinence
Liturgical Color: Violet

March 19, 2026: Solemnity of Saint Joseph

Celebrating Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and stepfather of Christ.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

March 25, 2026: Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Celebrating the announcement of Christ to Mary by the Angel Gabriel.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

March 29, 2026: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Remembering Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem, anticipating his passion and death.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: Red

April 2, 2026: Thursday of Holy Week

Remembering Jesus’s last supper and the institution of the Holy Eucharist.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White
(a.k.a. Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday)

April 3, 2026: Friday of the Passion of the Lord

Remembering Christ’s suffering and death on the cross in remittance of our sins.

Catholic Day of Fasting and Abstinence
Liturgical Color: Red
(a.k.a. Good Friday)

April 4, 2026: Holy Saturday

Remembering Christ in the tomb and the silence before resurrection glory.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: Violet

April 4, 2026: Memorial of Saint Isidore

Remembering Isidore of Seville, teacher, bishop, and doctor of the church.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

April 5, 2026: Solemnity of the Resurrection of the Lord

Celebrating Easter, Christ’s triumph over death and sin. He is risen!

Principal Catholic Celebration
Liturgical Color: White
(a.k.a. Easter)

April 11, 2026: My Confirmation Day

Celebrating Confirmation, the sign and seal of the Holy Spirit.

Personal Observance

April 13, 2026: Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday

Honoring Jefferson, founder, author of the Declaration of Independence.

U.S. Federal Observance

May 3, 2026: Polish Constitution Day

Celebrating the 1791 Polish constitution and Polish culture and history.

Cultural Observance

May 7, 2026: National Day of Prayer

Turning to God in prayer, fasting, and meditation for our nation and the world.

U.S. Federal Observance
Virginia State Observance

May 15, 2026: Peace Officers Memorial Day

Remembering all those who gave their lives in law enforcement service.

U.S. Federal Observance
U.S. flag at half-staff nationwide from sunrise to sunset

May 17, 2026: Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Celebrating the ascent of Christ, body and soul, to the father’s side in heaven.

Principal Catholic Celebration
Liturgical Color: White

May 24, 2026: Solemnity of Pentecost

Commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the church.

Principal Catholic Celebration
Liturgical Color: Red

May 25, 2026: Memorial Day

Remembering all those who gave their lives in United States military service.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday
U.S. flag at half-staff nationwide from sunrise to noon

May 28, 2026: My Wedding Anniversary

Honoring my marriage and the inviolable Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

Personal Observance

May 31, 2026: Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Celebrating the Trinity, one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

June 7, 2026: Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Celebrating Christ’s sacrifice and the Holy Eucharist.

Principal Catholic Celebration
Liturgical Color: White
(a.k.a. Corpus Christi or Body of Christ)

June 12, 2026: Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Celebrating Christ’s Sacred Heart, a symbol of his love for all people.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

June 14, 2026: Flag Day

Celebrating the American flag as a timeless symbol of freedom and liberty.

U.S. Federal Observance

June 19, 2026: Juneteenth National Independence Day

Celebrating the emancipation and the end of slavery in the United States.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday
(a.k.a. Juneteenth)

June 22, 2026: Memorial of Saint Thomas More

Remembering Thomas More, philosopher and statesman, martyr for the faith.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: Red

June 24, 2026: Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Celebrating the birth of John the Baptist, holy precursor of Jesus Christ.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

June 29, 2026: Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

Celebrating Peter, apostle and first pope, and Paul, apostle and scripture writer.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: Red

July 3, 2026: Independence Day (Observed)

Celebrating U.S. independence from England as declared on July 4, 1776.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

July 12, 2026: Memorial of Saint Veronica

Remembering Veronica and the miraculous image of Jesus Christ.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

August 13, 2026: Memorial of Blessed Michael J. McGivney

Remembering the defender of the needy and founder of the Knights of Columbus.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

August 14, 2026: Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Remembering the priest and martyr of charity who offered up his life for another.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: Red

August 15, 2026: Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary

Celebrating Mary’s assumption into heaven by the power of Jesus Christ.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

September 7, 2026: Labor Day

Celebrating laborers’ essential contributions to American prosperity.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

September 11, 2026: Patriot Day

Remembering the victims of the September 11, 2001, Islamist terrorist attacks.

U.S. Federal Observance
U.S. flag at half-staff nationwide from sunrise to sunset

September 16, 2026: Mayflower Day

Remembering the Mayflower pilgrims’ 1620 arrival in Massachusetts.

Cultural Observance

September 17, 2026: Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

Celebrating the U.S. Constitution and citizens by birth or naturalization.

U.S. Federal Observance
Virginia State Observance

September 25, 2026: Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節)

Celebrating the mid-autumn, a time of gathering, thanksgiving, and prayer.

Cultural Observance

October 1, 2026: Memorial of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus

Honoring the faith of the “little flower,” virgin and doctor of the church.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

October 9, 2026: Leif Erikson Day

Honoring Leif Erikson, explorer and first known European to discover America.

U.S. Federal Observance

October 12, 2026: Memorial of Blessed Carlo Acutis

Honoring the first “millennial” saint and patron of website development.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

October 12, 2026: Columbus Day

Honoring Christopher Columbus and the European discovery of the Americas.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
(a.k.a. Columbus Day & Yorktown Victory Day)

October 12, 2026: Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Celebrating the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Loudoun County Holiday

October 19, 2026: Yorktown Day

Celebrating the U.S. victory over the British at the Battle of Yorktown.

Virginia State Observance

October 28, 2026: Feast of Saints Simon and Jude

Honoring Simon, apostle, and Jude, apostle and patron saint of lost causes.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: Red

October 28, 2026: My Birthday

Today is the anniversary of my birth. Hooray. Three cheers.

Personal Observance

November 1, 2026: Solemnity of All Saints

Honoring all of the known and unknown saints who have gone to glory before us.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White

November 3, 2026: Election Day

Go vote (if you are eligible). Today is election day in the United States.

Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday
U.S. Federal Observance

November 11, 2026: Veterans Day

Celebrating all those who served honorably in the United States armed forces.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

November 22, 2026: Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Celebrating Christ’s kingship and his dominion over the whole universe.

Catholic Solemnity
Liturgical Color: White
(a.k.a. Christ the King)

November 26, 2026: Thanksgiving Day

Giving thanks to God for all that we have as individuals and as a nation.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

November 27, 2026: Day After Thanksgiving

Continuing to give thanks for all that we have as individuals and as a nation.

Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

November 29, 2026: First Sunday of Advent

Beginning a season of penance in preparation for the coming of Christ.

Principal Catholic Celebration
Liturgical Color: Violet

December 7, 2026: National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Remembering the December 7, 1941, Imperial Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

U.S. Federal Observance
Virginia State Observance
U.S. flag at half-staff nationwide from sunrise to sunset

December 8, 2026: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary

Celebrating God’s preservation of the Blessed Virgin Mary from original sin.

Catholic Holy Day of Obligation
Liturgical Color: White

December 12, 2026: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Celebrating the image of Mary revealed on Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City, Mexico.

Catholic Observance
Liturgical Color: White

December 15, 2026: Bill of Rights Day

Celebrating the U.S. Bill of Rights, human rights, and limited government.

Virginia State Observance

December 20, 2026: My Baptism Day

Celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism, rebirth into new life as a Christian.

Personal Observance

December 25, 2026: Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord

Celebrating Christmas, the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.

Catholic Holy Day of Obligation
Liturgical Color: White
(a.k.a. Christmas)

December 25, 2026: Christmas Day

Celebrating the cultural and religious Christmas holiday.

U.S. Federal Holiday
Virginia State Holiday
Loudoun County Holiday

December 31, 2026: New Year’s Eve

Commemorating the end of 2026 and looking forward to a new year.

Cultural Observance

Scott Bradford has been putting his opinions on his website since 1995—before most people knew what a website was. He has been a professional web developer in the public- and private-sector for over twenty years. He is an independent constitutional conservative who believes in human rights and limited government, and a Catholic Christian whose beliefs are summarized in the Nicene Creed. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from George Mason University. He loves Pink Floyd and can play the bass guitar . . . sort-of. He’s a husband, pet lover, amateur radio operator, and classic AMC/Jeep enthusiast.