Juneteenth 2025: What to know, including what's open

(The Hill) -- Juneteenth is a federal holiday that recognizes the freedom of formerly enslaved Black people. The commemoration traditionally takes place on June 19 to commemorate the day in 1865 when Major Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in the state of Texas to share the news of the Emancipation Proclamation, announcing the official end of the Civil War.

This year, the holiday falls on a Thursday. 

Here’s all you need to know about the approaching celebration:

When did Juneteenth become a federal holiday?