Juneteenth, the holiday marking the official end of slavery is celebrated annually on June 19, but became recognized as a federal holiday a few years ago.

America's Second Independence Day is today. So, what is Juneteenth? And why is it celebrated? Here's what to know.

Originally celebrated by newly freed Black communities in Texas with religious services, barbecues and symbolic traditions like discarding clothing worn during enslavement, the holiday has since grown beyond Texas and the South.