What is Juneteenth and why is it celebrated? What to know for 2026

160 years ago, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been freed — after the end of the Civil War and two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

As a result, the holiday Juneteenth — whose name combines “June” and “the nineteenth” — has only grown in popularity in a century and a half. In 2021, President Joe Biden declared it a federal holiday, expanding its recognition beyond Black America.

There are a large number of street festivals, fairs, concerts and other events planned throughout the week leading up to the holiday. People who have never given the occasion more than a passing thought may wonder, is there a “right” way to celebrate Juneteenth?

For beginners and those interested in history, here are some answers:

Is Juneteenth more of a celebratory day of remembrance or a party?

It depends on what you want. Juneteenth celebrations have their roots in cookouts and picnics. Originally celebrated as the true Independence Day for black Americans, outdoor events allowed for large and raucous reunions between formerly enslaved families, many of whom had been separated. The rallies were particularly revolutionary because they were free of the restrictive measures, known as “Black Codes,” enforced in the Confederate states. Laws controlled whether freed slaves could vote, purchase property, gather for worship and other aspects of daily life.

In 2024, the White House is getting things started early with a concert on the South Lawn to mark Juneteenth and Black Music Month. The atmosphere was primarily festive with Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black vice president, dancing on stage with gospel singer Kirk Franklin.

Others may choose to treat Juneteenth as a day of rest and remembrance. This might mean doing community service, attending an education panel, or taking a vacation.

“The most important thing for everyone to do is to be able to quickly answer the question ‘What is Juneteenth?’” said Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League.

What if you never celebrate Juneteenth?

Dr. David Anderson, a Black pastor and CEO of Gracism Global, a consulting firm that helps leaders navigate conversations to bridge gaps across race and culture, didn’t do anything Juneteenth in his youth. He didn’t know this until he was in his thirties.

“I think a lot of people didn’t know about it — and they’re even my color as an African-American male. And even if you heard about it and knew about it, you didn’t celebrate it,” Anderson said. “It was like it was just part of history. It wasn’t a celebration of history.”

For many African Americans, the farther away from Texas they grew up, the more likely they are not to hold large Juneteenth celebrations regularly. In the South, the day could vary depending on when word of emancipation reached each state.

What type of public Juneteenth events are held?

Search online and you’ll find nationwide congregations that vary in scope and tone. Some are carnival festivals with food trucks, arts and crafts, and parades. Within these festivals you will likely find information about health care, finance, and community resources. There are also concerts and fashion shows to highlight black creativity. There will also be panels to educate about the history of Juneteenth.

Are there any special Juneteenth decorations or foods?

The red, black, and green African Liberation Flag, also known as the African flag, has historically been displayed at Black History Month and Juneteenth celebrations. The color red represents the bloodshed and sacrifice of enslaved ancestors. Black symbolizes black people. The green color represents the richness of the land in Africa.

However, more people turned to the Juneteenth flag created in 1997 by activist Ben Heath, who founded the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation. Like the American flag, it is red, white and blue to indicate that those released are also Americans. The white five-pointed star in the middle is a tribute to Juneteenth’s birthplace in Texas. It is surrounded by another white star line representing the spread of freedom.

Aside from barbecue, red has been a staple of Juneteenth food for generations. The color red symbolizes the bloodshed and sacrifices of enslaved ancestors. The Juneteenth menu may include items such as barbecued ribs or other red meat, watermelon, and red velvet cake. Drinks such as fruit juice and red Kool-Aid may appear on the table.

In recent years, Juneteenth has become more commercialized with national chains selling Juneteenth party supplies, T-shirts and other merchandise. However, this year, Juneteenth items appear to be fewer or only online. Morial says he would be disappointed if companies decided selling Juneteenth merchandise openly was too risky because of politics. At the same time, it may be a good opportunity for consumers.

“I would also encourage people to go online and look for an African American seller,” Morial said. “If you had to be involved in that (commercial), that’s what I would do.”

Does the way you celebrate Juneteenth matter if you’re not black?

There’s no reason to feel embarrassed about wanting to acknowledge Juneteenth just because you don’t have any personal connections or because you’re not Black, said Dr. Karida Brown, a sociology professor at Emory University whose research focuses on race. In fact, embrace it.

“I’m going to reframe that and challenge non-Black people who want to go to Juneteenth and celebrate,” Brown said. “It’s certainly your history. It’s certainly part of your experience. … Isn’t that all of our history? The good, the bad, the ugly, the story of liberation and freedom for your black brothers and sisters under the Constitution of the Law.”

What other names are used to refer to Juneteenth?

Over the decades, Juneteenth has also been called Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Black Fourth of July, and Independence Day among others.

“Because the year 1776, the Fourth of July, where we celebrate freedom and all that, that didn’t include my grandchildren,” Brown said. “Black people in America were still enslaved. So that holiday always comes with a bittersweet undertone.”

Is there a suitable greeting for the month of June?

It’s traditional to wish people a “Happy June Day” or a “Happy Teen,” according to Alan Freeman, a comedian who organized a comedy show on June 19 at Club 68, described by local media as the last black bar and club on Galveston Island. The next day he will host a comedy and jazz show at his Houston restaurant and whiskey lounge, Frisky Whiskey.

“You know how at Christmas people say ‘Merry Christmas’ to each other without even knowing each other?” Freeman said. “You can get a Merry Christmas from everyone. This is the same way.”