Evacuation Day in the United States refers to several local holidays that commemorate the withdrawal of British forces from specific locations during the American Revolutionary War.

History:

The most notable Evacuation Day takes place on March 17th in Boston, Massachusetts. This marks the day in 1776 when British troops evacuated Boston after a long siege by American forces led by George Washington. The evacuation occurred after American soldiers fortified Dorchester Heights with cannons captured from Fort Ticonderoga, which made the British position in Boston untenable.

Traditions:

Evacuation Day in Boston coincides with St. Patrick's Day, and as a result, many of the day's events have a dual focus on Irish heritage and the historical celebration. Traditions include:

• Parades: The South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade is a significant event that combines both St. Patrick’s Day and Evacuation Day celebrations.
• Reenactments: Historical reenactments at relevant sites such as Dorchester Heights are sometimes performed to commemorate the day.
• Ceremonies: Official ceremonies often involve speeches from local politicians and community leaders.
• Public Holiday: In Suffolk County, which includes Boston, Evacuation Day is an official public holiday with some government offices and schools closed.

Observance:

Since Evacuation Day is largely a local observance specific to certain communities where significant evacuations occurred, it is not widely celebrated outside those areas. In other parts of Massachusetts or in other states such as New York (which has its own Evacuation Day on November 25th), observances may be more modest or historical society driven without broader public participation or recognition as an official holiday.