Juneteenth traditions vary across the U.S.
In the subsequent years and decades, the Black American community has celebrated the occasion to various extents – before Juneteenth officially became a universal American holiday through an act of Congress that President Joe Biden signed into law on June 17, 2021. In only its second year of federal recognition, Juneteenth has already brought forth an array of historically nuanced, remarkably creative, and innovative cultural events. Read on to get inspired by major Juneteenth celebrations planned in cities throughout the USA.
As the tradition of Juneteenth spread across the U.S., different localities put different spins on celebrations. In Southern states, the holiday is traditionally celebrated with oral histories and readings, "red soda water" or strawberry soda, and barbecues. Some states serve up Marcus Garvey salad with red, green, and black beans, in honor of the black nationalist. Rodeos have become part of the tradition in the southwest, while contests, concerts, and parades are a common theme across the country. Especially in New York - The city that never sleeps will be offering a weekend-long program of artistic and athletic events, ranging from an exhibition at the Park Avenue Armory featuring newly discovered work by artist Archer Aymes to a family-friendly Juneteenth march through Central Park, plus a festive Juneteenth 5K Run in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
