Juneteenth—June 19—is a holiday celebrated throughout the U.S. to commemorate the emancipation of the slaves.  It originated in Galveston, Texas, where Union Army General Gordon Granger proclaimed freedom from slavery in Texas in 1865, two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.  Enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation relied on Union troops, and Texas residents, being in one of the more remote states, got the news later than others.

Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Our third annual celebration, held on June 18, 2023, started with a Freedom Day Worship Service featuring trumpets, African American spirituals, and an interactive message “That the Next Generation Might Know.” Following the service were dancing lessons sponsored by the Santa Fe Soul Festival and Zimbabwean Marimba band with audience participation. Read more.

Second Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Our second annual Juneteenth Celebration was held on June 18, 2022, once again at Federal Park. The local NAACP presented the program

First Juneteenth Picnic at Federal Park

Our first annual Juneteenth picnic was held on June 19, 2021, at Federal Park in downtown Santa Fe.