{"id":7454,"date":"2026-06-17T16:32:19","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T16:32:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/17\/when-is-juneteenth-do-i-get-day-off-work-what-to-know-about-california-holiday\/"},"modified":"2026-06-17T16:32:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T16:32:19","slug":"when-is-juneteenth-do-i-get-day-off-work-what-to-know-about-california-holiday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/17\/when-is-juneteenth-do-i-get-day-off-work-what-to-know-about-california-holiday\/","title":{"rendered":"When is Juneteenth? Do I get day off work? What to know about California holiday"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Juneteenth is just around the corner.<\/p>\n

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The holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and is observed nationwide each year.<\/p>\n

Read more Lawmakers want to close loophole for political campaigns that pay influencers<\/a><\/p>\n

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Who gets the day off work or school in California?<\/p>\n

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Here\u2019s what to know about Juneteenth in 2026:<\/p>\n

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BEHIND THE STORY <\/h3>\n

MORE <\/p>\n

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Why we did this story<\/h3>\n
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Our community-driven series \u2014 How to California \u2014 is here to answer your questions about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel in the Golden State. <\/p>\n

McClatchy\u2019s service journalism team, focused on helping our readers navigate daily life, works in communities across the state, including San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Merced, Modesto and Sacramento. <\/p>\n

Ask us your questions \u2014 big and small \u2014 by emailing howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com or filling out a form here. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Is Juneteenth a California state holiday?<\/h2>\n

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Juneteenth is included on California\u2019s list of state holidays under Government Code Section 6700.<\/p>\n

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In 2024, Gov. Gavin Newsom formally recognized Juneteenth as a California state holiday and \u201cday of observance.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cCalifornia is proud to recognize Juneteenth as an official state holiday, honoring the centuries of struggles and triumphs that have brought us to this moment,\u201d Newsom said in a statement announcing the change.<\/p>\n

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Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 after legislation was signed into law by former President Joe Biden.<\/p>\n

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What does Juneteenth celebrate?<\/h2>\n

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Juneteenth is \u201cone of the oldest known commemorations related to the abolition of slavery in the United States,\u201d according to the National Park Service.<\/p>\n

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The federal holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, became aware of their freedom, two years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.<\/p>\n

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Juneteenth is celebrated across the country with community gatherings, parades, educational events, family reunions and cultural traditions.<\/p>\n

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According to the National Park Service, many celebrations also feature red-colored foods and drinks, a tradition rooted in West African cultural practices and symbolism.<\/p>\n

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\u201cJuneteenth is an important date on the timeline of slavery history in the United States,\u201d the National Park Service said.<\/p>\n

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When is Juneteenth in 2026?<\/h2>\n

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Juneteenth is observed annually on June 19.<\/p>\n

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In 2026, the holiday falls on Friday, June 19, according to the Old Farmer\u2019s Almanac.<\/p>\n

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Do California state workers get Juneteenth off?<\/h2>\n

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Although Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday, it is not currently a mandatory paid holiday for most California state employees, according to the California Department of Human Resources.<\/p>\n

Read more Free passes to California state parks mark Juneteenth, 250th anniversary of US<\/a><\/p>\n

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However, state workers can choose to observe Juneteenth by using accrued holiday or personal leave credits \u2014 similar to other designated observance days, including Lunar New Year and Diwali, recognized by the state.<\/p>\n

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As of Tuesday, June 16, California had not designated Juneteenth as a paid state holiday for all state employees.<\/p>\n

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Which California workers get Juneteenth off?<\/h2>\n

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Whether California employees have Juneteenth \u2014 Friday, June 19 \u2014 as a paid day off largely depends on their employer.<\/p>\n

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Federal employees get the day off because Juneteenth is a federal holiday.<\/p>\n

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Many local governments throughout California also observe the holiday, including San Luis Obispo County, Sacramento County and Fresno County.<\/p>\n

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The cities of Modesto, Merced, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco also observe the state holiday.<\/p>\n

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The city of Sacramento recently added Juneteenth as a paid holiday for city employees following a proposal from Sacramento City Council members Caity Maple and Rick Jennings.<\/p>\n

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Meanwhile, private employers can choose to observe the holiday, according to the California Chamber of Commerce.<\/p>\n

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California law does not require employers to provide employees with paid days off for holidays or to offer \u201choliday pay\u201d for working on holidays.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s entirely up to California employers to decide whether to offer their employees a paid or unpaid holiday for Juneteenth or any other holiday.<\/p>\n

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What\u2019s closed for Juneteenth 2026?<\/h2>\n

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In 2026, some federal and local government offices will be closed for Juneteenth across California.<\/p>\n

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Most banks and agencies, including the U.S. Postal Service, will be closed.<\/p>\n

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Holiday hours at privately owned businesses can vary by location, so check with your local store before heading out.<\/p>\n

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Have a question about life in California?<\/h3>\n

How to California<\/b>\u2014 a guide to help you live, work and enjoy life in the Golden State, is here to help.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll answer your questions \u2014 big and small \u2014 about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel.<\/p>\n

Ask your questions in the form below (can\u2019t see it? Click here) or email howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com.<\/p>\n

Read more Lawmakers want to close loophole for political campaigns that pay influencers<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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