Why Juneteenth Is Celebrated—And What’s Open & Closed in El Paso Today

The city of El Paso is honoring the Juneteenth holiday in various ways and for many city employees, they have the day off!

Juneteenth, celebrated every June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and finally informed enslaved African Americans that they were free—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Yep, TWO. AND. A. HALF. YEARS.

Get our free mobile app

It’s a day of reflection, celebration, and honoring the contributions of Black Americans to the country's history and culture. In 2021, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday, and communities nationwide now take the day to celebrate freedom, resilience, and progress.

To honor Juneteenth, the City and County of El Paso will be closed today. But don’t worry—some essential services and fun spots are still open.

CLOSED:

• Community Clinics, WIC Offices, Medicaid Waiver Program

• Museums: Archaeology, Art, and History

• Municipal Court and Bond Offices

• Public Libraries

• Recreation, Senior & Aquatic Centers

• Tax Office

• Department of Public Health (STD & HIV Prevention too)

OPEN:

• Residential trash & recycling pickup

• Greater El Paso Landfill & Collection Stations

• El Paso Zoo: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Animal Services (various locations/times)

• Sun Metro (regular service)

• Spray Parks: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Get our free mobile app