What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas — two months after the Confederacy had surrendered and about 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in the Southern states. The term “Juneteenth” is a blend of the words June and nineteenth; the holiday has also been called Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day.
President Joe Biden signed legislation in 2021 establishing Juneteenth as a new federal holiday in the U.S. to commemorate the end of slavery with Juneteenth National Independence Day on June 19.
When is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth 2024 is Wednesday, June 19. (If Juneteenth falls on a weekend, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management says the holiday will be observed on a Monday if the holiday falls on a Sunday; if it falls on a Saturday, the holiday will be observed on Friday.)
This year’s Syracuse Juneteenth festival was held the weekend before the holiday on June 14-15.
Are banks open on Juneteenth?
Most banks are closed Wednesday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth.
Are stock markets open on Juneteenth?
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq will be closed for Juneteenth.
Are schools open on Juneteenth?
Schools are closed Wednesday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Are government offices open on Juneteenth?
Non-essential federal, state and city government offices are closed Wednesday.
Are post offices closed on Juneteenth? Is there mail delivery on Juneteenth?
U.S. Post offices will be closed Wednesday, June 19. USPS mail delivery will resume Thursday, June 20.
Are restaurants and stores open on Juneteenth? Will shopping malls be on regular hours?
Yes, most restaurants and stores, including Walmart, Target and Wegmans, are open. Destiny USA will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
Do you have to pay parking meters on Juneteenth?
Parking at all Syracuse city meters will be free on Wednesday in observance of Juneteenth.
Will there be trash collection on Juneteenth?
Syracuse city trash and recycling pickup remains on a regular schedule. Other municipal and private haulers may work on a different schedule. Contact your local government or private hauler for details.
Are libraries open on Juneteenth?
All Syracuse city libraries are closed Wednesday in observance of Juneteenth. You can check your branch through Onondaga County’s central library website.
Are buses running on a regular time on Juneteenth?
Yes, Centro is running on a regular schedule. Buses operate on a Sunday/Holiday schedule for just six holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. For information, call 442-3400 or visit Centro’s website.
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