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Juneteenth is a federal holiday, resulting in some Iowa businesses closing to observe the holiday.

Juneteenth is on June 19 every year. It was officially recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. Iowa does not recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday, but instead it is recognized as an observance.

Here’s what you need to know about Juneteenth and the businesses that are closed on the federal holiday.

What does Juneteenth celebrate?

Juneteenth celebrates the day the remaining enslaved Black people in Texas were freed. Their freedom was delayed two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed because it only freed enslaved people in Confederate states, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The 13th Amendment was passed by Congress on Jan. 31, 1865, eradicating slavery across the United States. But still, Black people who were enslaved in the westernmost Confederate states were not immediately freed.

More: Here’s how you can celebrate Juneteenth 2025 around the Des Moines metro

It wasn’t until 2,000 Union troops went to Galveston Bay, Texas, announcing their freedom, that more than 250,000 Black people were freed from enslavement, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Are banks closed on Juneteenth?

The branches of West Bank, Bank Iowa, GreenState Credit Union, Farmers State Bank, Heartland Bank, Iowa State Bank, Iowa Trust & Savings Bank and Farmers & Merchants will be closed on Juneteenth, according to the banks’ respective websites.

Branches of Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and several other national banks will be closed on Juneteenth, according to USA TODAY.

This is not a comprehensive list. Iowans should call their bank to confirm holiday hours so they can plan accordingly.

Is there mail on Juneteenth 2025?

The United States Postal Service will be closed on June 19, 2025, since Juneteenth is observed as a federal holiday by the USPS.

However, other parcel carriers like FedEx and UPS stores will remain open, according to USA TODAY.

Are grocery stores and retailers 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 their doors open on June 19:

  • Hy-Vee
  • Fareway
  • Trader Joe’s
  • Target
  • Aldi
  • Costco
  • Whole Foods
  • Price Chopper

Is there garbage pickup on Juneteenth?

There are no delays to garbage collection on Juneteenth for the city of Des Moines, according to the city’s public works website. Garbage, recycling and yard waste should be at the curb by 7 a.m. on your normal pickup day.

Communities served by Metro Waste Authority will also have pickup as usual on Juneteenth, according to its website.

Are the libraries open on Juneteenth?

While the Des Moines Public Libraries have activities celebrating Juneteenth leading up to the holiday, all locations will be closed on June 19, according to its website.

The Ankeny and West Des Moines libraries will remain open, according to the holiday hours.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.