Next: 19 Jun 2027
Juneteenth
The day that news of freedom reached enslaved people in Texas in 1865: parades, red foods, readings and family gatherings.
When is Juneteenth in 2027?
Juneteenth 2027 is on Saturday, 19 June 2027. Other years: 2026, Friday, 19 June 2026; 2028, Monday, 19 June 2028.
About Juneteenth
Juneteenth, on 19 June, commemorates the day in 1865 on which Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that slavery had ended, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The name joins "June" and "nineteenth". Black communities in Texas began to celebrate it in 1866, and the tradition spread across the country. It became a federal holiday in 2021. Celebrations include parades, music, readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, church services, prayers, speakers, and family cookouts and picnics. Red foods and drinks, such as strawberry soda, red velvet cake, watermelon and hibiscus tea, are served and are linked to symbols of resilience and West African traditions. Many events encourage reflection on the history of freedom and the ongoing struggle for equality.
Juneteenth dates: 2026, 2027, 2028
| Year | Juneteenth date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday, 19 June 2026 |
| 2027 | Saturday, 19 June 2027 |
| 2028 | Monday, 19 June 2028 |
What is eaten
- barbecue
- red velvet cake
- strawberry soda
- watermelon
Also part of it, and being written: Emancipation Proclamation (The 1863 order.), Galveston (The city where the announcement was made.), Red velvet cake (The cake of many Juneteenth tables.).
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Background: "Juneteenth" on Wikipedia. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.