Martin Luther (born November 10, 1483, in Eisleben, Saxony—now in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany; died February 18, 1546, in Eisleben) was a German theologian and religious reformer who became the central figure of the 16th-century Protestant Reformation. Through his writings and actions, Luther sparked a movement that fundamentally reshaped key doctrines of Christian belief and led to the permanent division of Western Christianity between Roman Catholicism and emerging Protestant traditions.
The Reformation gave rise to several major branches of Protestantism, including Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, the Anabaptist movement, and anti-Trinitarian traditions. Luther’s influence on theology, church structure, and religious thought makes him one of the most significant figures in the history of Christianity.
Reformation Day, observed by many Protestants, commemorates October 31, 1517, when Luther is traditionally believed to have posted his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. This event is widely regarded as the symbolic beginning of the Protestant Reformation.
When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of January each year. In 2026, it falls on Monday, January 19.
Is MLK Day a federal holiday?
Yes. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one of the 11 federal holidays observed across the United States. Federal offices, including government agencies, are closed on this day.
List of U.S. federal holidays in 2026:
- Thursday, Jan. 1: New Year’s Day
- Monday, Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Monday, Feb. 16: Washington’s Birthday
- Monday, May 25: Memorial Day
- Friday, June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
- Friday, July 3: Independence Day
- Monday, Sept. 7: Labor Day
- Monday, Oct. 12: Columbus Day
- Wednesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day
- Thursday, Nov. 26: Thanksgiving Day
- Friday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day
Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day a paid holiday in Florida?
Yes. MLK Day is among the nine paid holidays for Florida state employees.
Florida state holidays in 2026:
- Thursday, Jan. 1: New Year’s Day
- Monday, Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Monday, May 25: Memorial Day
- Friday, July 3: Independence Day
- Monday, Sept. 7: Labor Day
- Wednesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day
- Thursday, Nov. 26: Thanksgiving Day
- Friday, Nov. 27: Day after Thanksgiving
- Friday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day
What will be closed on MLK Day?
On Monday, January 19, federal and Florida state offices will be closed. The stock market, most banks, and post offices will also remain shut, and no mail delivery will take place. However, most retail stores and grocery stores will remain open.
Are schools closed?
Yes. All Florida schools across 67 counties will be closed on MLK Day.
Why does the date change every year?
Although Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, the federal holiday was officially set as the third Monday of January in 1983. By 2000, all 50 states recognized it as a state holiday.
Theme for MLK Day 2026
The theme for 2026 is “Mission Possible: Building Community, Uniting a Nation,” as announced by The King Center.
Who was Martin Luther King Jr.?
Dr. King led the nonviolent Civil Rights Movement in the late 1950s and 1960s, playing a pivotal role in advancing legal equality for African Americans. As The King Center notes, in less than 13 years of his leadership, the movement achieved more progress toward racial equality than the previous 350 years combined.