Juneteenth 2025: What You Need to Know
Juneteenth will be observed on Thursday, June 19, 2025. This day commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and ensure that enslaved people in the last Confederate state were freed.
Often referred to as America’s Second Independence Day, Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States. It is recognized as the longest-running African American holiday and became a federal holiday in 2021, following the passage of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden on June 17, 2021.
Is Juneteenth a Federal Holiday in 2025?
Yes. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Juneteenth is one of 11 federal holidays observed annually. The full list includes:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday)
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- Juneteenth National Independence Day
Why June 19?
The name “Juneteenth” combines “June” and “nineteenth,” the date when the final enforcement of emancipation reached Texas. Though President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1863, it couldn’t be enforced in many Southern states until Union control was established. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that the last enslaved people in Texas were freed.
Slavery in the U.S. was formally abolished with the 13th Amendment, ratified on December 6, 1865.
Why Juneteenth Matters
Juneteenth gained renewed national attention in 2020, following the murder of George Floyd and the nationwide protests against racial injustice and police violence. Since then, it has become a significant day of reflection, celebration, and education.
Unlike holidays tied to a specific weekday, Juneteenth is celebrated on the actual date of June 19 each year.
Juneteenth and Public Services: What’s Open and Closed
Are banks open on Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is recognized as a Federal Reserve bank holiday, which means the Federal Reserve — the central banking system of the U.S. — is closed, according to Bankrate.com. While banks aren’t legally required to close on federal holidays, many choose to do so. If you make a transaction on Juneteenth, it likely won’t be processed until the next business day.
Is the stock market open on Juneteenth?
No. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq observe federal holidays and will be closed on Juneteenth, as confirmed by the NYSE’s official calendar.
Will trash pickup be delayed for Juneteenth?
Trash collection services may be delayed, depending on your city or service provider. To confirm any changes to your pickup schedule, it’s best to contact your local municipality or private waste hauler directly.
