Local people celebrate Juneteenth in Galveston in Houston on Sunday (Xinhua/Robert Stanton)

HOUSTON, June 18 (Xinhua) -- As Juneteenth is approaching, all kinds of celebrations are taking place all over the great Houston area on Sunday.

In the city of Galveston where the commemoration originally began, local people participate in parade and festival to celebrate the Juneteenth which dates back more than 150 years ago.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free.

Juneteenth is enjoying a phenomenal growth rate within communities and organizations throughout the country. It celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.

A range of activities were provided to entertain the masses, many of which continue in tradition today. Rodeos, fishing, barbecuing and baseball are just a few of the typical Juneteenth activities one may witness during the celebrations.