Among other facets of the state out-of-state students might not know about are a selection of unique holidays in Alabama, several of which honor figures from the Confederacy.
Robert E. Lee Day
Robert E. Lee Day is celebrated in Alabama on the Monday of his birthday, Jan. 19, the same day as Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Depending on the year, it also falls on Inauguration Day.
Jefferson Davis’ birthday
Along with Florida, Kentucky and Mississippi, Alabama observes Jefferson Davis’ birthday on June 3 or the Monday of the week it falls on. Davis was the president of the Confederate States of America after Southern states seceded from the Union.
Confederate Memorial Day
Alabama, along with Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas, officially observes Confederate Memorial Day. It is also unofficially observed in Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina and Tennessee, being acknowledged but not listed as a state government holiday.
While the day of recognition varies by state, Alabama and Mississippi celebrate the holiday on April 28. Until 2023, Alabama also proclaimed April as Confederate History Month.
Other Oct. 13 holidays
In addition to celebrating Columbus Day on Oct. 13, Alabama also recognizes American Indian Heritage Day, also known as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Fraternal Day is also recognized in Alabama on the same day. First acknowledged in 1915, it celebrates fraternal organizations and their contributions to society.
Mrs. Rosa L. Parks Day
Dec. 1 is “Mrs. Rosa L. Parks Day” in the state in “commemoration only,” not giving government employees the day off. The holiday acknowledges the achievements of civil rights leader Rosa Parks.
