Miami Beach, Deerfield Beach celebrated Juneteenth

Miami Beach, Florida – On Monday this year Juneteenth is being observed, but celebrations to mark the national holiday have already kicked off.

Miami Beach celebrated Juneteenth Independence Day on Saturday morning. Artistic and educational programs shared the history and the impact of the holiday at Pride Park.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the date marking the end of slavery in the United States after the Civil War.

According to organizers at the Miami Beach event, they aimed to remember and honor those who had been enslaved while honoring the contributions of Black Americans.

“It’s our third annual event. We’re so happy to be able to provide this amazing event for our residents to celebrate the historic moment that we are now celebrating Juneteenth as a federal holiday,” said Lissette Garcia Arrogante, director of tourism and culture for Miami Beach. “It’s important for everyone to recognize our history, to see where we have been, where we are coming from, where we’re going, and we never forget.”

The Juneteenth celebration continued Saturday in Deerfield Beach.

The Freedom Fest featured live entertainment, a kids’ zone, and food tasting.