Juneteenth, which is short for “June Nineteenth”, celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday, which is also known as “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day,” honors the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston,

Red ingredients not only add a splash of flavor and color to your holiday cookout drinks, but they also add a sense of ancestral pride.

In Denver, for example, more than a dozen companies backed out of supporting the Juneteenth Music Festival, which is one of the city’s biggest celebrations of the holiday, according to Norman Harris, executive director of JMF Corporation, which puts on the event.

Several events are being held across North Texas to commemorate the day slaves in Texas learned that they had been freed.

In Odessa, the council is hosting its 26th annual Juneteenth celebration. This year’s theme is “Western and Bling,” a nod to both culture and flair and organizers are encouraging attendees to show up in cowboy boots, carry fans and add plenty of sparkle.

From parades to festivals and even free food, hundreds gather every year to take part in celebrating Juneteenth. But, the holiday surpasses the physical celebrations, and East Texas leaders say it's about celebrating freedom.

Explore the vibrant Juneteenth celebrations in the Washington, D.C. region, despite funding gaps and political shifts elsewhere.

For beginners and those brushing up on history, here are some answers: