A full day of community events and entertainment is planned for around Rosewood Park in Austin for Juneteenth.
Juneteenth recognizes the Texas abolition of slavery, alternatively known as Emancipation Day or freedom day. For Texans, it came on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln first issued a slavery-ending proclamation.
The inaugural festival, including a parade and picnic, was held in 1867, reportedly organized by the Freedman’s Bureau. It attracted many people from both black and white communities. Ever since, Juneteenth has carried on throughout Texas and in many states across the country, and today it remains a popular family celebration. Ever since the first celebration, the Juneteenth parade has been held near the same area of East Austin.
Parades are often seen as a good time for handouts. A local printing company can be useful in providing flyer printing services for parade participants to give to viewers lining the Austin streets.
The historical parade begins at 10 am on June 15, 2024 at Martin King Jr. Boulevard, near Salina Street, and lasts for two hours. Advance registration for marching bands, floats, dance troupes, equestrian riders, and other participants is mandatory.
Following the parade, area families will continue the celebrations as they get together in the park to sing songs, dance, play games, and enjoy food and entertainment until 9 pm.
