Juneteenth falls on June 19 each year. It is a holiday whose history was hidden for much of the last century. But as the nation now observes the 150th anniversary of the Civil War’s onset, it is a holiday worth recognizing. In essence, Juneteenth marks what is arguably the most significant event in American history after independence itself—the eradication of American slavery.
In San Jose, the day began with a morning service by Bible Way Church. As the festival got going later in the day, a multihued crowd enjoying the day could choose from vendors offering catfish, "jumbolaya" or tacos and Salvadoran pupusas. On shaded grass, the crowd rocked to eclectic music ranging from children's songs to blues and rap. Dozens of people of all ages shook to the Cupid Shuffle.
And if you were hot, there were always the plaza's spurting fountains. Of course, there were some minor hazards. First, the water was cold, said 6-year-old Janea Perry of San Jose. "It got up my nose," she said.
