New Orleans to Celebrate 160th Anniversary of Juneteenth

News Summary

New Orleans will commemorate the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth with a series of cultural events and activities throughout the city. Celebrated annually on June 19, Juneteenth marks the milestone when enslaved Americans in Texas learned of their emancipation in 1865. This year’s festivities will include the New Orleans Juneteenth Festival at Louis Armstrong Park, a splash day at Behrman Park, a pool party, and various music and cultural events. The celebrations aim to honor the rich legacy of Black heritage and foster community engagement.

New Orleans is set to commemorate the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth on June 19, 2025, with a series of celebration events and cultural activities throughout the city. This observance marks the date in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally received news of the Emancipation Proclamation, thus heralding their liberation. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, solidifying its significance in American history and culture.

One of the notable aspects of New Orleans’ celebrations is its connection to history. The abolition of slavery in the city was formalized on May 11, 1864, during a constitutional council meeting held amid the Civil War. This historical context underlines the importance of Juneteenth, particularly in New Orleans, where gatherings of Black residents have taken place in Congo Square for generations. This site continues to be a central location for modern Juneteenth festivities.

Several events are scheduled for the 2025 celebrations, including:

• New Orleans Juneteenth Festival: Taking place at Louis Armstrong Park from noon to 5 p.m., this free event features a second-line kickoff, live music, artists, and panel discussions.
• “HOPE” 3rd Annual Juneteenth Splash Day Celebration: Scheduled for noon to 4 p.m. at Behrman Memorial Park, this free event offers pool activities, face painting, and games.
• Juneteenth Pool Party and Cookout: Set for noon to 10 p.m. at Blue Crawfish, this event requires a $25.50 entry fee and includes poolside dining provided by Ethiopian restaurant Addis NOLA, along with live saxophone music.
• Juneteenth Fundraiser and Community Block Party: From 3 to 10 p.m. at Café Istanbul, this free gathering features a silent auction, live music, and vendor booths.
• Voices Reclaimed: A Juneteenth Celebration: Occurring from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mount Zion Baptist Church, this free event focuses on celebrating the cultural legacy of Black composers.
• Juneteenth Freedom Gala: A ticketed event from 7 to 10 p.m. at the André Cailloux Center for Performing Arts and Cultural Justice, tickets cost $95. The gala’s theme, “Black Tense,” will emphasize the richness of Black history through curated culinary experiences.
• Juneteenth Jamboree: Between 4 to 8 p.m. at 4026 Post Drive in Harvey, this free event aims to be family-friendly, featuring activities, guest speakers, and health screenings.

In addition to the festivities, a public art exhibition titled “The Stories of Us,” showcasing sculptural drums, began on June 19 and will be available for public viewing until July 2. This art initiative is designed to enhance the Juneteenth experience by inviting community reflection on historical narratives.

These various events play a crucial role in acknowledging and celebrating Black heritage and culture through the mediums of music, food, and community engagement. Multiple vendors will participate, presenting African crafts, food, and cultural demonstrations, further enriching the Juneteenth celebrations.

The Juneteenth festivities are particularly significant amid a broader movement addressing social justice issues and honoring the rich history of Black Americans. As the nation continues to grapple with its past, events like these provide an essential platform for education, celebration, and community building, reinforcing the importance of Juneteenth in the cultural landscape of America.

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HERE Resources

New Orleans Celebrates Juneteenth with Community Events
Summer Events Galore in New Orleans

Additional Resources

• NOLA: New Orleans Marks Juneteenth with Festival in Congo Square
• WWLTV: Juneteenth Splash Day Celebration at Behrman Park
• WDSU: New Orleans Juneteenth Celebrations Event List
• Wikipedia: Juneteenth
• FOX8Live: Juneteenth Celebrations in New Orleans
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Juneteenth