Juneteenth and Town of Halifax

Last year, the Governor and the State Legislature voted to add Juneteenth to the list of official State holidays.

Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it is now celebrated annually on June 19 throughout the United States, with increasing official recognition. It is commemorated on the anniversary date of the June 19, 1865, announcement of General Order No. 3 by Union Army general Gordon Granger, proclaiming freedom from slavery in Texas.

According to the State statute, the holiday is always observed on the actual day, June 19 (other holidays in that class include Christmas and Independence Day). But the State statute also states that a State holiday that occurs on a Saturday is observed on Saturday at least for purposes of the Commonwealth. This year, Juneteenth falls on Saturday, June 19.

Unlike the Commonwealth, Halifax traditionally observes State holidays that fall on Saturday on Friday. At its meeting on Friday, June 11, the Board of Selectmen voted to observe Juneteenth this year on Friday, June 18. Therefore, the Town's buildings will be closed on Friday, June 18 and the Recycling Center will be closed on Saturday, June 19 (the Center is closed when a holiday falls on a Saturday).