Here’s what’s closed on Juneteenth this Wednesday, June 19, in observance of the newest federal holiday.
As Americans prepare to mark Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., they should also be aware of the closures associated with the holiday. This includes a day off for financial markets.
The June 19 holiday marks the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to free enslaved Black people in the state, almost two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. Not every state ended slavery following the signing.
Juneteenth has been celebrated in Black communities since the 19th century and became a Texas state holiday in 1980. Other states followed, and in 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth the 12th federal holiday.
“This is a day of profound weight and profound power, a day in which we remember the moral stain, the terrible toll that slavery took on the country and continues to take,” Biden said at the time.
Here are details about what will be closed on Juneteenth:
Are financial markets open on June 19?
The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and U.S. bond markets are closed on June 19. Trading will resume on the morning of June 20.
Does the post office deliver mail?
The U.S. Postal Service will not deliver mail on June 19. However, FedEx and UPS will operate on a normal schedule.
Are banks open?
Banks are generally closed, but you can still use ATMs or banking apps.
Are government offices open?
Since Juneteenth is a federal holiday, all nonessential federal government offices are closed. This generally applies to state government offices as well.
Are schools open?
Schools are typically closed on Juneteenth, but it’s best to check with your local school district.
