Even if you've lived in the U.S. for a while, there are days when you might look at the calendar and think, "Oh? There's a holiday this month?"

One of those is Juneteenth, haha.

At first, I didn't really know what it meant just by hearing the name. It felt like a sudden federal holiday appeared in June, a month that usually has no holidays.

Juneteenth was designated as a federal holiday relatively recently, in 2021.

So, even among those who have lived in the U.S. for a long time, it still feels a bit unfamiliar.

The name Juneteenth is a combination of June and Nineteenth.

The origins of this day trace back to Galveston, Texas.

Many people think that since the Emancipation Proclamation was announced in 1863, all slaves were freed at that time.

However, in many areas of the South, the war was still ongoing, and the federal government's orders were not actually enforced in many places.

Ultimately, on June 19, 1865, after the Civil War ended, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and officially informed the slaves that they were free.

By that time, it had already been over two years since the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in the U.S.

At that time, many Black slaves were reportedly still working without even knowing that they had become free people.

So, June 19, 1865, is not just a simple date; it is the day when they were actually informed of their freedom.

Afterward, celebrations began primarily within the Black community in Texas, and over time, it spread across the United States.

Today, Juneteenth events include parades, musical performances, historical lectures, and readings of the Emancipation Proclamation.

So, many people are curious about what will be closed on Juneteenth in 2026.

First, post offices will be closed. There will be no USPS mail delivery.

On the other hand, UPS and FedEx will mostly operate as usual. Delivery and pickup services will continue.

Banks will also be closed since the Federal Reserve is observing the holiday, so most financial institutions will be closed. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) will also be closed.

Government agencies and federal institutions will also be closed.

However, most regular stores will operate as usual. Large retail stores like Costco, Walmart, and Target, as well as most restaurants and shopping malls, often operate as they normally would.

So, it might feel like, "It's a holiday, but why is everything open?"

Although it is still a relatively new federal holiday and not yet familiar, remember that Juneteenth is a meaningful day for the U.S. to reflect on the values of freedom and equality.