The keyword term is a noun phrase, with the word "closures" acting as the head noun. The terms "Massachusetts" and "Patriots' Day" function as adjectival modifiers that specify the location and the occasion for these suspensions of operation. Therefore, the phrase's main point is the noun "closures," which refers to the shutdown of services, roads, and institutions.
These shutdowns encompass a wide range of entities. All non-essential state, county, and municipal government offices, including courts and the Registry of Motor Vehicles, cease operations. Public school systems and libraries are also closed in observance of the holiday. A defining feature of the day is the extensive, temporary closure of numerous public roads and streets, particularly along the Boston Marathon route, which affects traffic and public transit schedules in multiple municipalities.
The practical implication of this holiday observance is a significant disruption to normal weekday activities. Residents and visitors must plan for the inaccessibility of government services and anticipate major travel delays or detours. While federal offices and some private businesses may remain open, the widespread nature of the official state and local closures, combined with major public events, requires public awareness and logistical planning.
