St. Patrick’s Day 2024: What You Need to Know About Mail and Deliveries

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in America

St. Patrick’s Day will be celebrated across the United States on Monday, March 17, 2024. While the holiday is not a federal holiday, it holds significant cultural importance, particularly for Irish Americans. The day honors Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century. Traditionally, St. Patrick’s Day is observed with church services, prayers, and family gatherings. Over time, however, the holiday has evolved into a broader celebration of Irish heritage and culture. Many cities in the U.S. embrace unique traditions, such as Chicago’s annual dyeing of the Chicago River green, making it a vibrant and festive occasion for people of all backgrounds.

Mail Delivery on St. Patrick’s Day

For those wondering if mail and deliveries will continue as usual on St. Patrick’s Day, the answer is yes. The United States Postal Service (USPS) will operate normally on Monday, March 17. Since St. Patrick’s Day is not a federal holiday, the USPS will maintain its regular mail delivery schedule and post office hours. This means that residents can expect their mail to arrive as usual, and local post offices will remain open for business. The USPS only observes federally recognized holidays, such as New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The next USPS holiday will be Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, 2024.

UPS and FedEx Delivery Schedules

In addition to USPS services, both UPS and FedEx will also operate normally on St. Patrick’s Day. UPS has confirmed that it will continue deliveries as usual on Monday, March 17. The company’s next observed holiday will be Easter on April 20, 2024. However, UPS will not operate on Mother’s Day, which falls on May 11, 2024. FedEx will also maintain its standard delivery schedule on St. Patrick’s Day. FedEx’s next holiday will be Good Friday on April 18, 2024, during which the company will offer modified services. On Easter, Sunday, April 20, FedEx will be closed. FedEx typically delivers between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. in most areas, so customers can expect their packages to arrive within this timeframe.

Public Reaction and Statements

The USPS and FedEx have both issued statements regarding their operations on St. Patrick’s Day. A USPS spokesperson told Newsweek, “St. Patrick’s Day is not a federal holiday in the United States. Therefore, the United States Postal Service and local post offices will be open, mail operations will proceed as normal, and mail will be delivered on Monday, March 17. At participating retail locations, you can even pick up a St. Patrick’s Day greeting card for a special friend or family member!” FedEx also confirmed that it will be “business as usual” on the holiday. While some businesses and organizations may choose to close or adjust their hours, the USPS, UPS, and FedEx will all operate as normal. For those looking to send St. Patrick’s Day cards or gifts, there’s still time to do so without worrying about disruptions in service.

What Happens Next?

Looking ahead, the next major holiday that will impact mail and delivery services is Easter on April 20, 2024. FedEx will be closed on Easter Sunday, and UPS will not operate on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2024. Memorial Day on May 26, 2024, will also see many businesses, including the USPS, UPS, and FedEx, observing the holiday with closures or modified services. For those planning to send mail or packages in the coming months, it’s important to keep these dates in mind to avoid any delays. In the meantime, St. Patrick’s Day promises to be a day of celebration and joy, with mail and deliveries continuing uninterrupted.

Final Thoughts on St. Patrick’s Day 2024

St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate Irish heritage, enjoy festive traditions, and connect with loved ones. While the holiday is not a federal observance, it brings a sense of community and joy to cities across the U.S. For those wondering about mail and deliveries, rest assured that the USPS, UPS, and FedEx will all operate as usual on Monday, March 17. Whether you’re sending a greeting card, expecting a package, or simply enjoying the festivities, St. Patrick’s Day 2024 is shaping up to be a day to remember.