Is Juneteenth a National Holiday? Here's When We Observe in St. Cloud

Summary:
Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, is observed every June 19 and became a federal holiday in 2021. This guide explains the origins and meaning of Juneteenth, details how it's celebrated in St. Cloud, and covers what's open and closed during the holiday in 2025. Learn when it started, how it is observed locally and nationally, and what the holiday means for services and businesses.

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1. The Meaning and Origins of Juneteenth

Juneteenth is an important American holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. This special day falls every year on June 19, giving the holiday its name.

Looking back in history, things began to change in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. This proclamation declared enslaved people in areas rebelling against the Union during the Civil War to be free. But as explained by the National Archives, this order had its limitations:

"It applied only to states that had seceded from the Union."

Another complication was that it could not immediately free people living in places still under Confederate control. According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture,

"Enslaved people weren't freed until Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced as much."

That major announcement happened on June 19, 1865, two years after Lincoln's proclamation.

It's important to understand that, as the History Channel notes,

"Emancipation didn't happen overnight for everyone,"
since some enslavers withheld the news of freedom until after the harvest season.

Finally, freedom was fully secured with another huge step: the ratification of the 13th Amendment later in 1865, which abolished slavery across the entire United States.

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2. When Did Juneteenth Start? How the Holiday Became Official

Juneteenth has been commemorated and celebrated by African American communities for a long time, but it only became a federal holiday in 2021. That year, President Joe Biden signed a bill establishing Juneteenth National Independence Day as an official federal holiday, as reported by CNN.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture puts it beautifully:

"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... Today, Juneteenth celebrates African American resilience and achievement, while preserving history and community traditions."

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3. The Emancipation Proclamation: Key Dates

For an essential date in this story, the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, according to the National Archives. This executive order was a crucial first step, but as history revealed, many had to wait even longer for actual freedom.

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4. Is Juneteenth a Federal Holiday? Other Federal Holidays in 2025

Since June 2021, Juneteenth is an official federal holiday. The United States Office of Personnel Management lists it among its annual schedule for federal employees.

Here are the remaining federal holidays for 2025:

1. Juneteenth: June 19
2. Independence Day: July 4
3. Labor Day: September 1
4. Columbus Day: October 13
5. Veterans Day: November 11
6. Thanksgiving: November 27
7. Christmas: December 25

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5. St. Cloud's Juneteenth Celebration

St. Cloud hosts an exciting and welcoming annual Juneteenth Celebration at Lake George, organized by the local nonprofit Higher Works Collaborative.

This year's event will take place from noon to 7 p.m. on June 19 and features:

• The much-loved grill-off competition
• A basketball tournament
• The first-ever dominoes competition
• Live music and food trucks
• Local vendors and businesses
• A special Wonderland Kids Zone with plenty of activities for children

The celebration marks its 28th year in 2025—demonstrating both the longevity and growing importance of this tradition in the St. Cloud community.

It's also worth noting that in February 2023, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz established Juneteenth as a state holiday, following its federal recognition. By 2023, at least 28 states and Washington, D.C. officially recognized Juneteenth at the state level, according to the Pew Research Center.

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6. What's Open and Closed on Juneteenth?

If you're planning for the day, here's what to watch out for:

• Post Office: No regular mail delivery on Juneteenth, as stated by the U.S. Postal Service.
• UPS: Locations remain open, and pickup and delivery services are available.
• Shops and Restaurants: Most grocery stores and retailers (like Costco, Walmart, and Target) are open, according to USA TODAY reports from 2024.
• Banks: Many major banks, including Chase and Wells Fargo, will be closed for Juneteenth. In previous years, branches of Capital One, PNC, Citibank, and Bank of America also closed to observe the holiday.

So, while banking may need to wait, you can still shop for groceries or enjoy local meals as usual!

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Final Thoughts

Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder of freedom, resilience, and community in the United States. Now officially recognized nationwide, it not only commemorates a pivotal turning point in American history but also brings people together to celebrate cultural traditions, achievements, and the ongoing journey for equality. Whether you're observing in St. Cloud or anywhere else, Juneteenth is an occasion to remember, honor, and look forward—together.