For many folks across the U.S., Independence Day falls on July 4th. However, in dozens of states, more and more people are celebrating another kind of independence day.
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, Juneteenth marks the historic day when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, announcing that the Civil War was over and that those enslaved were now finally free.
To celebrate this momentous day, many cities host celebrations that you can join in on. If you’re looking for some fun and educational Juneteenth celebrations, look no further.
Galveston, Texas
Juneteenthhistoricalmarkergalveston by 2C2K Photography licensed under CC by 2.0
If you’re looking to celebrate Juneteenth where it began, then you have to head to Galveston, Texas. The Galveston Juneteenth Celebration spans the month of June with several full days of festivities. You can enjoy picnics, African-American heritage exhibits, reenactments, and concerts. Perhaps the highlight of all the Galveston celebrations is the annual reading of the Emancipation Proclamation. The reenactment occurs in front of the official Juneteenth monument on June 19th itself.
Brooklyn, New York
Be sure to leave room to nosh on the many food offerings at the Juneteenth Food Festival. You’ll sample traditional African American fare such as fried fish, red beans and rice, a crab boil, red velvet cake, barbecue, and more. This part of the festival also boasts a small marketplace where you can purchase clothes, accessories, and books.
c
Buffalo, New York
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument by Matthew Dillon licensed under CC by 2.0
One of the largest Juneteenth celebrations takes place in Buffalo, New York. Usually held in mid-June, the festival kicks off with a parade at Genesee and Moselle Streets. In the past, the Juneteenth Festival has included a book fair and free Underground Railroad tours, among other activities. You can also visit the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, honoring a slave who escaped and became a prominent soldier in the U.S. Army. With the goal of preserving African American heritage, Buffalo’s Juneteenth Festival appropriately takes place in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park.
Denver, Colorado
While Buffalo’s Juneteenth is one of the largest, Denver’s also packs in the crowds for its Juneteenth Music Festival. The two-day event takes place in the Five Points neighborhood in Denver. The festival features live performances, art and cultural exhibitions, and food vendors. Expect to find other activities like art walks, a car show, and live performances. Plus, you can join one of the largest parades in Denver with over 5,000 participants. Major celebrities have performed at the festival in past years, so maybe you’ll be able to catch a sighting.
Atlanta, Georgia
It’s not surprising to learn that the birthplace of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. goes all out for Juneteenth festivities. You’ll find a number of events associated with the official Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival. The schedule varies depending on the year, but you can expect to find book signings, concerts, lectures, and more surrounding the event.
The Atlanta celebration mainly takes place in Centennial Olympic Park. You can visit hundreds of Black-owned booths featuring a variety of goods for purchase. The televised parade features colorful and elaborate floats, dance troops, youth organizations, marching bands, and many local and national dignitaries.
There are also historical reenactments that shed light on the Black experience in the U.S. This is a good time to visit the Historic Oakland Cemetery, where you’ll find the final resting place for several Black leaders, including Atlanta’s first African American mayor, Maynard Jackson.
You May Also Enjoy: Ten of the Biggest Juneteenth Celebrations in the United States!
Detroit, Michigan
FAQs:
Q: How did Juneteenth get its name?
A: The name “Juneteenth” is a combination of “June” and “nineteenth,” representing the date, June 19th, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the freedom of enslaved people in 1865.
Q: Are Juneteenth celebrations family-friendly?
A: Yes, many Juneteenth celebrations are family-friendly and include activities for all ages, such as parades, music, food festivals, educational exhibits, and kid zones.
Q: How can I participate in a Juneteenth celebration if I can’t attend an event in person?
A: You can participate by educating yourself and others about the history of Juneteenth, supporting Black-owned businesses, attending virtual events, or hosting your own celebration at home.
Q: Are there any recommended readings or resources to learn more about Juneteenth?
A: Yes, books like Juneteenth by Ralph Ellison and On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed provide excellent insights. The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. also offers resources and educational materials on Juneteenth.
Are there any Juneteenth festivals that you’ve enjoyed that we left off our list? Tell us in the comments below!
