3 Central Virginia communities offer 3 different ways to celebrate Juneteenth (2024)

FAQs

How do communities celebrate Juneteenth? ›

Juneteenth celebrations then, like now, recognize the ongoing fight for human rights and equality and are commemorated through family cookouts, faith services, musical performances and storytelling.

For non-Black allies, Juneteenth is a great opportunity to show solidarity by volunteering your time and/or resources to support Black community members. Consider volunteering at a Juneteenth event, giving money directly to Black community members, or working with local Black-led organizations.

Juneteenth celebrations in the United States typically include prayer and religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings and picnics, and festivals with food, music, and dancing.

Juneteenth Events in Virginia

A range of activities were provided to entertain the masses, many of which continue in tradition today. Celebrate Juneteenth in Virginia at these events across the state.

Juneteenth is celebrated and observed in different ways. One way is with food — be it a barbecue, fish fry, or other cookout — with friends and family. Music, dancing, and games — like dominoes, bid whist, and spades — round out some festivities.

Juneteenth has become not only a time to commemorate Black liberation from the institution of slavery, but also a time to highlight the resilience, solidarity, and culture of the Black community. It is a time for Black Americans to reflect on their ancestral roots.

Juneteenth – also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day – is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of African Americans who had been enslaved in the United States.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in America through the issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a day dedicated to celebrating accomplishments, justice and freedom for Black people, as well as reflection on the continuing struggle for equity.

OTHER NAMES: Juneteenth Independence Day; Freedom Day.

Is Juneteenth a religious holiday? ›

As the holiday spread, its ties to religious communities weakened. Today, it's generally thought of as a secular event.

ATTEND A JUNETEENTH PARADE OR FESTIVAL

Many cities across the United States have parades and festivals to celebrate Juneteenth. Check out what's happening in your area and join in the festivities. You'll get to meet new people, learn more about the history of Juneteenth, and have a great time.

Just Say 'Happy Juneteenth! ' The easiest way to wish someone a Happy Juneteenth is by messaging them and wishing them a fulfilled day.

Juneteenth is a paid holiday for state employees in Texas, New York, Virginia and Washington, and hundreds of companies give workers a day off for Juneteenth. Across the country Friday, people gathered in observance of Juneteenth, a day that celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S.

Well first, because it's a warm weather celebration, Juneteenth food traditions often include cookout fare like barbecued meats, potato salad and fruity or frozen desserts. You'll also see lots of traditional soul food dishes like fried chicken, cornbread and collard greens.

Greet someone or a group by saying “Happy Juneteenth.”

Many Black Americans commemorate the freedom from enslavement granted on that day with an array of red foods, such as barbecue, watermelon, red velvet cake, and strawberry pie. Streets will come alive with the aromas of grilled meats and spices mingling with the sweet scents of freshly baked pies and cakes.

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863, declared freedom for enslaved people in Confederate states.