Sunday, Jun 16, 10am-1pm

An African American Church style service followed by a line dance party and refreshments is a perfect way to celebrate freedom and acknowledges the history of Black Americans. Specifically, it notes June 19th, 1865, the day that news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, nearly three years after the proclamation was issued.

Our worship service begins at 10am in West Federal Park (1 Federal Park West, Grant Street and Federal Place).

There are a few things you’ll reliably find at Juneteenth celebrations and they’re usually red foods. According to food historian Michael Twitty, the tradition of eating red foods likely came from the
enslaved Yoruba and Kongo people brought to Texas in the 19th century. The color red can represent power, sacrifice, and transformation in both of those cultures.

It also helps that many red foods are available around mid-June. Summer fruits like strawberries and watermelon, for example are in peak season during Juneteenth. Red drinks like hibiscus tea and
strawberry sodas are customary at Juneteenth celebrations.

Other foods you’ll likely see red velvet cake and, of course, barbecue. Because we can’t forget that Juneteenth was a holiday in Texas first! Do you eat spicy hot links, usually made with beef that is
dyed red, at your local Juneteenth parties? Because food historians like Adrian Miller credit African American cooks with creating hot links and expanding barbecue styles.

Read more about our wonderful guests in our website post: African American Worship Service.

This service and celebration is sponsored by FPC, Santa Fe Soul Festival, and the City of Santa Fe Arts & Culture Department.

Santa Fe Juneteenth

The Santa Fe Juneteenth Committee presents two events prior to our service and picnic:

• Friday, June 14, Reception from 4:30 to 6:30pm and Documentary “Blacks in Santa Fe: Seen and Unseen” at 6:45pm (1420 Cerrillos).
• Saturday, June 15th, Juneteenth on the Plaza from 3pm to 9pm (Downtown). Live music, food.

View the full poster and read all the details.