Countdown
Days until Juneteenth (June 19)
Juneteenth National Independence Day is observed on June 19, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and the announcement of General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas in 1865.
Time remaining
9 months, 22 days remaining (294 total days).
Anchor date: Thursday, June 19, 2025 · next occurrence resolved automatically
Juneteenth is in 0 years, 9 months, and 22 days (294 total days) — next date Saturday, June 19, 2027.
Quick facts
- Date
- June 19
- Federal holiday
- Yes (signed into law June 17, 2021)
- Historical origin
- June 19, 1865 (General Gordon Granger order in Galveston, TX)
- Significance
- Oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the US
- Original state
- Texas became the first state to declare Juneteenth an official holiday in 1980
How we calculate
Remaining time targets the next occurrence of this date (fixed calendar day or holiday rule), then breaks the gap into years, months, days, and a live HMS clock.
Anchor ISO: 2025-06-19
· recurrence: yearly-fixed · day-level anchors use a noon local interpretation to avoid DST edge flips.
Timeline
- 1863 President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation.
- 1865 Union soldiers arrive in Galveston, Texas on June 19 to enforce the freedom of all enslaved people.
- 1980 Texas becomes the first state to declare Juneteenth an official state holiday.
- 2021 President Joe Biden signs the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into federal law.
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FAQ
When is Juneteenth observed?
Juneteenth is observed every year on June 19. When it falls on a weekend, federal workers observe the closest Friday or Monday.
When did Juneteenth become a federal holiday?
Juneteenth became the 11th official US federal holiday on June 17, 2021.
What is the historical meaning of Juneteenth?
It marks the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, informing the last enslaved African Americans that they were free under the Emancipation Proclamation.
How is Juneteenth celebrated?
Celebrations include parades, cookouts, music festivals, prayer gatherings, and educational forums across the United States.