Community Gatherings
Communities mark Juneteenth with events centered on freedom, history, and African American culture.
How Juneteenth Is Observed
Explore how Juneteenth is observed, including ceremonies, traditions, closures, and community events.
How Juneteenth Is Observed
Thanksgiving and Family Traditions
Documented traditions include church thanksgiving services, picnics, and family reunions.
History and Education
Readings of General Order No. 3, museum programs, talks, and local history events help connect the observance to its historical foundation.
Common questions
Juneteenth FAQ
Clear answers about the date, meaning, and observance.
When is Juneteenth in 2026?
Juneteenth in 2026 is Friday, June 19, 2026.
What does Juneteenth commemorate?
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when General Order No. 3 informed the people of Texas that enslaved people were free.
Why is it called Juneteenth?
The name is a combination of June and nineteenth.
When did Juneteenth become a federal holiday?
Juneteenth became a federal legal public holiday on June 17, 2021, through Public Law 117-17.
Where did Juneteenth begin?
The observance is rooted in Galveston, Texas, where General Order No. 3 was issued on June 19, 1865.