Often, the church grounds were the sites for the festivities. Most of the festivities found themselves out in rural areas around rivers and creeks that would provide for additional activities such as fishing, horseback riding, and barbecues. In some cases in the early years, there was an outright resistance, and people would bar the use of public property for the festivities. Dress was also an important element in early Juneteenth customs, and is often taken seriously, particularly by the direct descendants who can make the connection to this tradition's roots. Hence, the barbecue pit is often established as the center of attention at Juneteenth celebrations. This was through which participants could share in the spirit and aromas that their ancestors would have enjoyed during the ceremonies. More traditional and just as popular was the barbecuing. Prayer services were also a major part of the celebrations.Ĭertain foods became popular and subsequently synonymous with the celebration, such as strawberry soda-pop. Thus often guest speakers are brought in and the elders are called upon to recount the events of the past. Juneteenth almost always focused on self-improvement and education. Rodeos, fishing, barbecuing, and baseball, are just a few of the typical Juneteenth activities you may witness today. For whatever the reason, conditions in Texas remained status quo well beyond what was statutory.Ī range of activities was provided to entertain the masses, many of which continue in tradition today. All or none of the stories could be true. Later, attempts to explain this two and a half year delay in the receipt of this important news have yielded several versions that have been handed down through the years. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger's regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on Texas due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive order. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation-which had become official January 1, 1863. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union Soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.
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