The Juneteenth holiday commemorates the date of June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas and freed the last enslaved people in the U.S. Unfortunately, it was two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation Act. Nevertheless it was joyous news and an important day in our history!

Although it’s only been a federal holiday since 2021, people have celebrated Juneteenth since the end of slavery in the US. Many people, especially Black Americans, consider the date our second “independence day” and celebrate accordingly. The holiday is marked with parades, festivals, performances, storytelling, and Black cultural programming. Each year since the official recognition of the holiday, there are more and more ways to celebrate Juneteenth.

Lead photo courtesy of The Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade and Festival.

Find all kinds of family-friendly events for every day of the week on the Main Line Parent Calendar!