Though only officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, people have been celebrating Juneteenth, the commemoration of the end of slavery and the freedom of Black Americans, since 1865. And with each year, the celebrations are only growing from there.

The Juneteenth holiday commemorates the date of June19, 1865, when Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas and freed the last enslaved people in the U.S. Ironically, it was two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation Act. Nevertheless it was joyous news and an important day in our history! Many people, especially Black Americans, consider the date our second “independence day” and celebrate accordingly. From parades to historical reenactments, African-inspired programming, and musical performances, read on for ways to celebrate Juneteenth 2024 in and around Bucks County.