OK, Seriously, What is Patriots' Day?

Celebrated on the third Monday in April, Patriot’s Day is more than just a day of from school and work.  It’s a holiday honoring the events that lead to the American Revolution: the battles of Lexington and Concord that were fought on April 19, 1775.

Patriots’ Day is recognized as a civic holiday in Massachusetts and Maine, and a day off from public school in Wisconsin.  You’re very welcome, Wisconsin children.

Sooo...Be There at 5 a.m. for...What?

One of the coolest parts of Patriots’ Day are the observances and re-enactments of the first battles of the American Revolution.   

At 5 a.m., the Town of Lexington conducts a battle reenactment of the early-morning engagement between the town’s militia and British soldiers.  You will get chills as you hear the Redcoats marching down the road towards the green and will need to cover your ears when shots are fired.

At 9 a.m., the Town of Concord re-enacts the battle at the Old North Bridge.

The Boston Marathon

Marathon Monday!  The grueling 26.22 miles of hell begin in the town of Hopkinton and end in Copley Square in Boston.  Women start the race at 9:35 a.m., and men go at 10 a.m.  The marathon is considered to be one of the toughest around due to the various hills among its route, so this race attracts not only the insane, but very elite runners. 

At the 13th mile, a point at which I would be pronounced dead, the enthusiastic and incredibly loud cheering of students from the all-female Wellesley College creates a “scream tunnel”, motivating the passing runners and annoying residents.

Up until 1972, women were not allowed to enter the Boston Marathon.  But in 1967, sneaky Kathrine Switzer registered as “K. V. Switzer” and was able to get a race number.  She ran and finished the marathon.  But not without a little drama – while she was running, a race official tried to rip off her numbers and eject her from the race.

Fun fact: the official symbol of the Boston Athletic Association and the Boston Marathon is the unicorn, because ”the unicorn represents an ideal: something to pursue, but which can never be caught”.  Way to motivate everyone.

Oh, and the Red Sox Play at Fenway Park

In order to try to jam as many major events as we can into one day, in the same city, the Red Sox also play at Fenway Park on Patriot’s Day.  This home-game tradition has been ongoing since 1960, except for off days in 1965 and 1967 and the players strike in 1995.

The Red Sox play at 11:05 a.m., making it the only morning game on the entire Major League Baseball schedule.  This ends up creating a fantastically fun frenzy, because just as people are leaving the game, they head into Kenmore Square and cheer on the runners heading through the area.  Drunk fans + exhausted runners = a winning combination.

Where to Eat and Drink

Since chances are you’re not running in the marathon, why not completely do the opposite and eat and drink to your heart’s content while cheering for those who are thin, fit, and disciplined.  And today, my friend, you are in the majority.  While an average of 20,000 people run in the marathon, around half a million pour into Boston to party.

Bars and restaurants will be packed – especially along the marathon route and in the Fenway Park area - so be patient and flexible.  Here are two great places to go if you can get in.

Other Guides for Eating in Boston

Helpful Information

Because I’ve been there, done that.

Take the T

Don’t you dare drive in.  Not only will you be dealing with an insane amount of people, but so many streets are closed off, you probably wouldn’t even make it in.  The T is convenient, pretty reliable, and worry-free.  So buy a Charlie pass, note the special Patriots’ Day schedule, and you’ll be all set.

What to Bring

You’re going to be out all day (and, potentially, night) long, so you’re gonna need stuff.  But not too much stuff.

• Keys, wallet, cell phone.  Just reminding you.
  
• Sunblock.  Even if you don’t think you’re going to need it, put it on anyway and bring it along to reapply.
  
• Lip balm.  You know you always end up wishing you’d brought this when you’re out and about for a day.
  
• Snacks.  Peanuts and sports bars are especially good, since they are portable, don’t crush easily and keep you full.  Throw a pack of gum in there while you’re at it.
  
• Packets of anti-bacterial hand wipes.  Am I just totally germaphobic?
  
• Oil-absorbing sheets (below).  You won’t be lugging a big makeup bag along with you (please, God no) so these little wonders will be your savior to keep your face shine-free.

What to Wear

Dress for a successful day around Boston.

• You’re going to be lugging a few things around with you during this day of wandering the city.  Carry them all in a bag that allows you to be hands-free so you can clap, wave, hold two beers, and so forth.
  
• Ladies, you’re not going to the prom.  Please wear comfortable shoes that were not purchased the night before.
  
• Boston weather is wacky.  Patriots’ Day could be 97 degrees or it could be snowing.  Be prepared and bring some sort of jacket.