Juneteenth is an important day in American history. It is celebrated every year on June 19. This holiday honors the end of slavery in the United States.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What Juneteenth means
- When Juneteenth 2025 will be
- If banks and post offices are open
- How people celebrate Juneteenth
When Is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is always on June 19.
In 2025, it falls on a Thursday — June 19, 2025.
What Holiday Is June 19?
June 19 is Juneteenth.
It is also known as:
- Freedom Day
- Emancipation Day
- Black Independence Day
This day remembers when the last enslaved people in the U.S. were told they were free.
What Is Juneteenth?
On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This order said that all enslaved people in Confederate states were free.
But in Texas, people didn’t hear the news right away.
On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas. They told enslaved people that they were free.
This moment became known as Juneteenth, a mix of the words “June” and “nineteenth.”
Is Juneteenth a Federal Holiday?
Yes. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021.
President Joe Biden signed a law making Juneteenth a national holiday on June 17, 2021.
It is now one of 11 official U.S. federal holidays.
Is Juneteenth a Bank Holiday?
Yes. Juneteenth is a bank holiday.
Most banks follow the Federal Reserve schedule. That means they are closed on Juneteenth.
Are Banks Open on Juneteenth?
No, most banks are closed.
These banks usually close:
- Bank of America
- Chase
- Wells Fargo
- Citibank
- U.S. Bank
- Capital One
Some local banks or credit unions may open. But most will not. Check your local branch’s website or app.
Is the Post Office Open on Juneteenth?
No. Post offices are closed.
There is no regular mail delivery on June 19.
The USPS does not run on federal holidays like Juneteenth.
Are Stock Markets Open on Juneteenth?
No. The stock markets are closed.
This includes:
- NYSE (New York Stock Exchange)
- NASDAQ
Trading stops for the day and resumes the next day — June 20, 2025.
What Else Is Closed on Juneteenth?
Here are places usually closed on Juneteenth:
- Government offices
- Libraries
- Courts
- Schools in some districts
Many private companies also give a paid day off to their employees.
How Do People Celebrate Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a time to celebrate freedom and African American culture.
Here are common ways people celebrate:
- Parades
- Cookouts
- Music and dancing
- Church services
- History talks
- Flag-raising events
People often wear red, black, and green or fly the Juneteenth flag, which shows a starburst.
Why Juneteenth Is Important
Juneteenth reminds us of the long fight for freedom.
Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, many people were still enslaved for two more years.
Juneteenth marks the moment when all enslaved people finally learned they were free.
Juneteenth vs. Independence Day
- Independence Day (July 4) celebrates the U.S. breaking away from British rule in 1776.
- Juneteenth (June 19) marks the freedom of enslaved African Americans in 1865.
For many, Juneteenth is their true Independence Day.
Juneteenth 2025 Quick Facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What day is Juneteenth in 2025? | Thursday, June 19, 2025 |
| Is Juneteenth a federal holiday? | Yes, since 2021 |
| Is Juneteenth a bank holiday? | Yes, most major banks are closed |
| Are post offices open? | No, USPS is closed |
| Are stock markets open? | No, NYSE and NASDAQ are closed |
| Is there mail delivery? | No |
| Is Juneteenth a paid holiday? | Yes, for federal workers and some private workers |
Summary
Juneteenth 2025 is on Thursday, June 19. It is a federal holiday and a bank holiday.
On this day:
- Banks, post offices, and markets are closed
- People celebrate with parades, food, and music
- It honors the end of slavery in the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
June 19 is Juneteenth, a U.S. federal holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in 1865.
Yes, Juneteenth is a paid holiday for federal workers. Many private employers also offer it as a paid day off.
No, most major banks are closed on Juneteenth as it is a federal bank holiday.
No. USPS does not deliver mail and post offices are closed on Juneteenth.
No, the NYSE and NASDAQ are closed on Juneteenth.
People attend parades, enjoy cookouts, join festivals, and learn more about African American history and culture.
In 2025, Juneteenth falls on Thursday, June 19.
