The Juneteenth spirit was felt in New Iberia Saturday as a parade and festival put on by the GPAL Foundation.

Juneteenth festivities kicked off in the afternoon with a unique parade that started at Hopkins Street and proceeded all the way to West End Park. Vehicles and trailers tossed beads and celebrated while onlookers in the area took a seat and watched the lineup meet its destination.

Following the parade, a cookoff was held along with a sports tournament at West End Park, where the celebration continued through the rest of the day.

Juneteenth, or the Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1866. The day was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. The holiday has since been recognized by many state and local governments in the Teche Area since then.