What is closed on Juneteenth? Here’s what to know in Arizona

Juneteenth is coming up on June 19, giving Americans a chance to celebrate the country’s second independence day.

The name of the holiday combines “June” and “nineteenth.” It is also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Juneteenth Independence Day and Black Independence Day, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Juneteenth was first observed in 1866, but the holiday spread across the country as African Americans migrated away from the South.  More than half of the states now recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday, according to the Pew Research Center. In 2016, the Arizona Legislature passed a law commemorating Juneteenth with a day of observance.

Here’s what to know about the holiday and what is open and closed on June 19.

When is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is held annually on June 19. The date will land on a Thursday in 2025.

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What is Juneteenth?

On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in the Galveston area of Texas learned of their freedom.

The news came two and half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, and more than two months after Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, bringing an end to the Civil War.

Enslavers were responsible for telling the enslaved they were free, but some ignored the directive.

This event gave rise to the Juneteenth holiday.

Is the post office open on Juneteenth? Will mail be delivered?

Juneteenth is a USPS holiday, according to the agency’s website, meaning mail will not be delivered and post offices will be closed for retail transactions on June 19.

Priority Mail Express is available 365 days a year, including federal holidays.

Is UPS open on Juneteenth? Will packages be delivered?

UPS pickup and delivery services will be available on Juneteenth. UPS Store locations may be closed, according the company’s website.

Check with your local store for specific hours of operation.

UPS Express Critical service is available 365 days a year, according to the company’ website. Visit mnx.com or call 1-800-714-8779 for more information.

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Are banks open on Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a Federal Reserve bank holiday, USA TODAY reports, meaning most banks, such as Wells Fargo, Citibank, Bank of America, Truist and others, will also be closed on June 19.

Is FedEx open on Juneteenth? Will packages be delivered?

All of FedEx’s pickup and delivery services will be available on Juneteenth, according to the company’s website.

FedEx Custom Critical, however, is available 24/7, according to the company.

Are Costco, Walmart, Target open on Juneteenth?

Walmart, Target and Costco will be open on Juneteenth, however, it’s recommended to check with your local store for specific hours, as they may vary by location. Here are more grocery stores that plan to keep its doors open on June 19:

• Trader Joe’s
• Target
• Aldi
• Whole Foods
• Walmart
• Costco
• Sam’s Club
• Fry’s
• Safeway

In addition to retail stores, fast food restaurants like McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A will also remain open.

Is the stock market open or closed on Juneteenth?

The New York Stock Exchange is closed on federal holidays and will be closed on Juneteenth, according to its website.

USA TODAY Network reporter Alex Perry contributed to this article.