Is Juneteenth a Federal Holiday in 2025? Everything You Need to Know

Is Juneteenth a federal holiday? Yes, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021. However, recent discussions have raised questions about its future, especially with ongoing debates around diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. In fact, some federal agencies have paused activities related to cultural observances, including Juneteenth.

Despite these developments, Juneteenth remains an important day of reflection and celebration across the country. It continues to serve as a time to honor the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and reflect on the ongoing journey toward racial equality. Celebrating Juneteenth gives everybody the chance to come together, support Black-owned businesses and take part in educational activities.

Jump to Section

• What Is Juneteenth?
• The History of Juneteenth and Its Path to Becoming a Federal Holiday
• Juneteenth 2025: What You Need to Know
• Where and How to Celebrate Juneteenth in 2025
• Juneteenth Traditions and Cultural Celebrations
• Juneteenth Food Traditions: Dishes to Enjoy on This Day
• Juneteenth FAQs

Feature image (via Flickr; CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

What Is Juneteenth?

Now that we've answered the question "Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?" let's take a step back and explore what Juneteenth is all about. Juneteenth is observed on June 19, marking the day in 1865 when 250,000 enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom after Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived with the news.

Although President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation three years earlier, it took time for the news to reach the southern states, so it took years for many enslaved people to know they were free. It wasn’t until the Union Army swept through the South to deliver the news that the slaves there were finally freed. The ratification of the 13th Amendment on December 6, 1865, formally abolished slavery across the nation. 

The History of Juneteenth and Its Path to Becoming a Federal Holiday

Now that you know the answer to "Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?", you might be wondering, "When did Juneteenth become a federal holiday?" The tradition of celebrating Juneteenth started after the Civil War, beginning in Texas and gradually spreading across the South. However, it wasn’t until 2020, with the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, that Juneteenth gained national attention. This momentum led to President Biden signing the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17, 2021, officially making it a federal holiday. And finally, the answer to "Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?" was yes. 

The significance of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is more than just symbolic. It has transformed how people across the U.S. celebrate the occasion. While Juneteenth has long been marked by BBQs, picnics and gatherings, the holiday’s official status means the celebrations are now much larger. Many cities now host weekend-long events, turning the holiday into a much bigger national occasion.

Juneteenth 2025: What You Need to Know

“Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?” isn’t the only important question. You might also be curious about how the holiday got its name. Well, it’s a combination of "June" and "Nineteenth," marking the day Black Americans in Texas learned of their freedom. Juneteenth can also be referred to as Emancipation Day, Black Independence Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day and Liberation Day.

Now, you might be asking, “Is Juneteenth a state holiday?” Texas was the first state to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday in 1980, and many other states followed suit. According to the Pew Research Center, at least 28 states and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday, with several others still giving state workers the day off.

Where and How to Celebrate Juneteenth in 2025

1. Attend a Local Festival or Event

If you're curious about “Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?” you might also be wondering how to celebrate. One of the best ways to mark the occasion is to attend a local Juneteenth festival. Many cities host parades, music performances and food trucks to mark the occasion. Galveston Island, the birthplace of Juneteenth, throws a huge festival every year and it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the celebrations.

2. Support Black-Owned Businesses

Another meaningful way to celebrate Juneteenth is by supporting Black-owned businesses in your community. You could shop locally, eat at a Black-owned restaurant or even donate to organizations focused on Black activism. Volunteering at a local Juneteenth event is another wonderful way to give back and get involved.

3. Educate Yourself on the History of Juneteenth

Another great way for everyone to get involved in Juneteenth festivities is to learn more about its history and the broader story of slavery in America. Take the time to visit a Black museum or cultural sites or educate yourself about the ongoing effects of slavery. 

 Juneteenth Traditions and Cultural Celebrations

4. Feasts

Now that you know the answer to "Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?" you might be wondering how to celebrate. One of the most cherished traditions is a big family feast, usually consisting of an outdoor cookout, picnic or a community potluck. If you can’t get everyone together in person, learn how to throw a fun virtual dinner party for an unconventional, but still memorable celebration.

5. New Clothing

Wearing new clothing is a Juneteenth tradition dating back to the earliest years of the holiday. The new clothes symbolize the freedom from past lives that formerly enslaved individuals gained. Today, many people still observe this tradition, often wearing the colors of the Juneteenth flag or the Pan-African flag to honor the day.

6. Prayer

Juneteenth has strong religious roots, with early celebrations often including church services and community prayer. For many, the holiday is a time of reflection, honoring not just the physical freedom gained, but also the spiritual journey toward healing and unity.

Juneteenth Food Traditions: Dishes to Enjoy on This Day

7. Red Foods

Learning "Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?" is just the beginning. One of the most symbolic ways to celebrate is by planning a special Juneteenth menu, and red foods take center stage. Think fruit punch, red beans and rice, red velvet cake and red fruits like watermelon. But why red? During slavery, many foods were bland and lacked color, so red foods stood out and brought excitement. Additionally, some of the enslaved people who passed through Galveston in the final years of the slave trade came from cultures that revered the color red, associating it with power, sacrifice and transition.

8. Barbecue

Barbecue takes the spotlight on most Juneteenth menus, both because of its popularity in the South and because preparing it is often a group activity that emphasizes the community aspect of the holiday.

9. Prosperity Sides

Juneteenth side dishes often include “good-luck” foods like cornbread, black-eyed peas, collard greens and sweet potatoes — similar to the traditions of New Year’s. These dishes are part of what's known as "prosperity meals," with each ingredient holding special meaning: corn represents gold, leafy greens symbolize good fortune and black-eyed peas stand for wealth. Collard greens and sweet potatoes also have deep historical significance because they were staple crops that enslaved people could easily grow, store and prepare. 

Juneteenth FAQs

Is Juneteenth a Mandatory Federal Holiday?

Wondering, "Is Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2025?" The answer is yes, as of June 17, 2021.

Are Banks Closed During Juneteenth?

Along with asking "Is Juneteenth a paid federal holiday?", many people wonder if banks are closed. Since Juneteenth is a federal holiday, banks are closed, just like they are for other federal holidays.

Does Everyone Get Juneteenth Off?

If you're wondering, "Is Juneteenth a paid federal holiday?" you might also be asking, "Do I get paid for Juneteenth?" But the answer isn’t quite as simple. While federal employees get the day off with pay, state and private employers aren't required to give the day off, and whether you get paid depends on your employer’s policies.

What Are the 11 Federal Holidays?

Now that you know the answer to “Is Juneteenth a federal holiday in the United States?”, what about the other federal holidays? The 11 federal holidays in the U.S.: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Juneteenth. 

What Does the Juneteenth Flag Symbolize?

The Juneteenth flag features red, white and blue colors, representing the fact that enslaved people were still Americans. The star at the center represents Texas — the Lone Star State — where Juneteenth began, and the burst around it symbolizes the ripples of freedom spreading across the nation. Many Black Americans also choose to display the red, green and black Pan-African flag on Juneteenth.

If you’ve been wondering about Juneteenth — whether it’s a federal holiday, a paid holiday or simply what the Juneteenth flag means — now you know. While the answer to “Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?” is simple, the significance of the day goes much deeper. It’s not just a day off — it’s a reminder of the long struggle for freedom and equality, and a call to continue working toward dismantling systemic racism.

For even more interesting holiday ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!