January 20th may not be a widely recognized federal holiday in the United States every year, but its significance varies depending on the year. Understanding What Holiday Is Jan 20 involves examining different possibilities. In some years, it’s a regular workday, while in others, it holds special importance, particularly in relation to Inauguration Day or Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
January 20th: A Regular Day or Something More?
Most often, January 20th falls between New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and therefore does not represent a Federal holiday. However, there are exceptions.
Inauguration Day
Inauguration Day occurs every four years on January 20th (unless it falls on a Sunday, in which case it’s observed on January 21st). On this day, a new president of the United States is sworn into office. It’s a significant event marked by ceremonies and traditions.
For federal employees in the Washington, D.C. area, Inauguration Day is a designated holiday. This area includes:
- District of Columbia
- Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties in Maryland
- Arlington and Fairfax Counties in Virginia
- Cities of Alexandria or Fairfax in Virginia
If January 20th falls on a Sunday, the Inauguration is typically held on Monday, January 21st.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of January. This means that in some years, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day may fall very close to January 20th. For instance, in 2020, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day fell on January 20th.
Past Holiday Schedules: A Detailed Look
Examining holiday schedules from previous years helps illustrate the variations and potential holidays associated with January 20th.
2023 Holiday Schedule
- January 2nd (Monday): New Year’s Day
- January 16th (Monday): Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
In 2023, January 20th was a regular workday.
2022 Holiday Schedule
- January 17th (Monday): Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Again, January 20th was not a holiday in 2022.
2021 Holiday Schedule
- January 1st (Friday): New Year’s Day
- January 18th (Monday): Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- January 20th (Wednesday): Inauguration Day
In 2021, January 20th was Inauguration Day, a holiday for federal employees in the D.C. area. This image shows the crowds attending the ceremony near the Capitol Building.
2020 Holiday Schedule
- January 1st (Wednesday): New Year’s Day
- January 20th (Monday): Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
In 2020, January 20th was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, as seen in this photo of the memorial dedicated to him.
Examining Further Years
Reviewing schedules from 2011 to 2019 confirms that January 20th was primarily a regular workday, except when it coincided with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day or Inauguration Day.
Federal Holiday Rules and “In Lieu Of” Days
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sets guidelines for federal holidays. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is often treated as the holiday for pay and leave purposes. Similarly, if a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is typically observed. This is detailed in 5 U.S.C. 6103(b) and Executive Order 11582.
You can find more information on these rules at the Federal Holidays – “In Lieu Of” Determination Fact Sheet.
Conclusion: Understanding the Significance of January 20th
So, what holiday is Jan 20? The answer depends on the year. It could be Inauguration Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, or simply a regular day. Checking the official federal holiday schedule each year is the best way to know for sure. Keep an eye on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announcements for the most accurate information.
