A Holiday to Remember
February 5, 2021A Holiday to Remember
Juneteenth is a national holiday in the United States celebrating the successful emancipation of African-American slaves during the American Civil War. It’s also frequently celebrated for celebrating African-American cultural heritage. The origin of Juneteenth began in Galveston, Texas. A celebration commemorating the day honoring the freeing of slaves was conducted in that city, and eventually it was expanded to other areas of the country. No matter where it’s celebrated, Juneteenth brings a sense of excitement and history to the world.
Although most people celebrate Independence Day in the month of July, Juneteenth is considered the actual anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Because of this, some communities mark the day with even more meaning. For instance, some commemorate by parading in traditional attire through the streets of their communities, carrying signs that declare their independence from slavery. Others choose to use the holiday as an opportunity to share stories of past freedoms and experiences with fellow blacks.
One of the most popular ways to celebrate Juneteenth is to get together with family and friends and plan a reunion picnic. This can be done just about anywhere, including parks, zoos, gardens, schools and churches. Invitations to a picnic usually include directions to where the picnic will take place, and information about the proposed route. Because of its importance as a holiday, almost all cities will have a program of parade preparation and speeches, live music and free black coffee prior to and after the parade.
In addition to the parades, there are many traditional activities that are part of any celebration of Juneteenth. Visitors to Galveston or Houston, for example, can participate in what is called a “fireside tea” – a social gathering just before or after the parade that commemorates the end of the Civil War. This may be just a few neighbors gathering to talk about the current events going on in their communities, or it may be a luncheon with free coffee, hot dogs and baked treats. In New Orleans, for example, a popular annual celebration of Emancipation takes place on the anniversary of the Civil War’s end. During this celebration, children and adults alike gather at the City park to celebrate the freeing of slaves during the Civil War.
A holiday celebration of the American Indians has also been an important part of American history. Each year around, hundreds of schools and camps host programs celebrating the Indigenous people’s heritage. Programs at these sites include special activities, games, dances, music and story telling.
The third and final days of May are traditionally known as “resistance day,” since the beginning of the American Revolution. On this day, people across the country take an active stance against slavery and the institution of slavery itself. Groups gather to protest the ways in which African Americans have been treated, and the lack of freedom they still experience today. This is the last day that a slave owner can legally keeps his or her slaves in bondage.
Now that the United States has officially designated the fourth Monday of May as a national holiday recognized by the state, many individuals and organizations around the country have picked up the tradition of celebrating Juneteenth with a day of fun and excitement. As a result, there are now holidays throughout the year recognized by states to make juneteenth more popular. For example, in Texas the first state in the union to officially celebrate Juneteenth officially declared its independence day in 2021. Since that time, over 30 Texas cities have selected their favorite holiday colors and themes to celebrate the day.
One of the most popular ways for residents of Washington, DC, to remember Juneteenth is by enjoying the annual Texas State Fair. Seating reservations can be made well in advance of the fair, and food can be enjoyed throughout the entire day by the thousands of visitors who flood the fair each year. State fair visitors can also take in the many fun and exciting competitions and spectacles that occur throughout the fair each day. For an afternoon of fun and enjoyment, washington dc may be the perfect place for you to visit for this year’s State Fair. To make the most of your visit, you will need to plan early to ensure that all of your needs are met.