While many treat President’s Day as an extra day to relax from the hectic week surrounding school and work, the origin of the national holiday remains foreign to them. President’s Day is used to honor all American presidents and is a federal holiday.

History 

Originally called Washington Day, the holiday was first created to only honor the first president of the United States, George Washington, and fell on his birthday, Feb. 22.

However, due to an executive order called the Uniform Monday Holiday Act signed by President Nixon, federal holidays fall on Mondays so workers get a three day weekend. Thus moving the holiday to the third Monday of February. It is believed that the holiday is used to celebrate both past presidents Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays who both fall in the month of February.

How it’s celebrated in the U.S.

Although there is not a traditional way to celebrate the holiday, many immigrants obtain their U.S. citizenship; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts naturalization ceremonies and welcomes new U.S. citizens. Museums such as the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. will provide discounts or free tours to people during President’s Day weekend. Additionally, Alexandria, Virginia, where Washington once resided, holds the largest President’s Day parade. It’s filled with activities such as reenactments of the Revolutionary War, and the “Cherry Challenge,” dedicated to the myth that Washington cut down a cherry tree, where restaurants try to make the tastiest cherry-flavored dessert.