Americans will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day across the country on Monday, March 17, but will mail and deliveries be expected to continue as normal?
The Context
St. Patrick’s Day originated as a feast day to honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Patrick was a fifth-century missionary credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland, and he died on March 17. Traditionally, the day is observed with church services and prayers.
Over time, Irish immigrants in the U.S. transformed the holiday into a broader celebration of Irish heritage and culture. Many cities embrace unique traditions to celebrate, like Chicago’s annual river dyeing.
Is Mail Delivered on St. Patrick’s Day?
Yes, the United States Postal Service (USPS) will deliver mail as normal on Monday since St. Patrick’s Day is not considered a federal holiday. Many businesses, banks and delivery services will operate as normal.
The USPS recognizes federal holidays, including 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 holiday taking place that is recognized by the USPS is Memorial Day, which is on Monday, May 26 this year.
Is the Post Office Open Today?
The post office is open. USPS hours and the time of mail delivery varies depending on location.
UPS, FedEx Deliveries
The United Parcel Service (UPS) will also continue deliveries as normal on Monday. The next holiday the UPS will recognize is Easter on April 20.
UPS will also not operate its services on Mother’s Day, which is on May 11 this year.
UPS hours are accessible at the UPS Store Locator.
Newsweek reached out to UPS by email for comment.
Meanwhile, FedEx will operate normally on St. Patrick’s Day. The next holiday FedEx will recognize is Good Friday, which is April 18 this year where there will be modified services. On Easter, FedEx will be closed.
FedEx delivers between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. in most areas.
What People Are Saying
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!”
A FedEx spokesperson told Newsweek: “St. Patrick’s Day is business as usual for FedEx.”
What Happens Next?
The next federal holiday when many businesses, banks and postal services will close will be either Easter on April 20 or Memorial Day on May 26, depending on the organization.
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