Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a festival that celebrates the end of slavery in America on the 19th of June each year. It is a day of  revelry in San Antonio during which art exhibitions and area parties are arranged all over the city. This is one of the most important days in the history of America as it saw the beginning of a new phase in the life of the Afro-Americans.

The history of slavery in America begins with the bringing of Black people from the continent of Africa to work for the plantation owners under the system of slave trade. They were exploited and denied access to all the basic amenities of life. The Declaration of Independence signed in 1865 put an official end to slavery in America and marked the beginning of  the crucial task of realizing the true meaning of freedom. Since then, the day celebrates the emancipation brought to the former slaves by a growing access to education and increasing social opportunities.

Traditionally the celebration used to be church-centered featuring fun and food but today it is elaborately celebrated all over the sate in a variety of ways. The people indulge in dancing and meet new people. The guest speakers at the celebration focus on education and self- improvement of the Afro-Americans and lay the path for future development of the community.

Bring along your family including children as most of the festivities are fit for the people from all the age groups. This is one event that should not be missed at any cost during your San Antonio vacation. a