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AUSTIN, Texas — The Juneteenth federal holiday is being celebrated across the country on Thursday. But amid the parades and parties, there are reports of some celebrations in the U.S. being scaled back.

DEI or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion rollbacks are being blamed. The rollbacks are likely due to a combination of factors including funding cuts, fewer sponsors for Juneteenth events, and shifting political priorities. But in Austin, the celebrations are bigger than ever.

On this day in 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Texas and announced the end of slavery in the United States. 160 years later, the Austin celebration has more people than ever lining the mile-long parade route.

“It’s bigger and there is a lot more entertainment,” said Tammie Richardson who attended the Thursday morning parade.

Event organizers say this year’s parade was 20% bigger than last year’s.

“Security was APD’s number one concern,” said Lee Dawson, Jr., co-chair of Central Texas Juneteenth.

Dawson is one of the planners of the 2025 celebration. He says Austin police stepped up security efforts after violence and a “credible threat” against lawmakers at recent protests.

“They worked with us, and I am very grateful for them and everything they did. They produced stuff and thought about things that we did not think about,” said Dawson.

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The celebration struck a chord with the community, but Austin leaders say it was important to mix caution with the fun.

“We’re all a little more on alert because of what happened. There is a larger police presence in this parade than I have seen before, although they have always been a part of this,” said State Rep. Donna Howard, (D) Austin.

Most people we talked with say they never considered not coming to the parade but do think they are more aware and cautious because of the current political climate.

“We do have to be cautious. Anything can happen while we are out here,” said Darren Williams who who attended the Thursday morning parade.

The Juneteenth Festival, which includes a community cookout and music festival, continued on Thursday until 10 p.m. in the Rosewood Neighborhood behind the Carver Museum.