What does the term “semiquincentennial” describe in the United States Semiquincentennial?

The term “semiquincentennial” describes the 250th anniversary of United States independence. It refers to the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1776.

The word is built from numerical roots: “semi” means half, and “quincentennial” refers to a 500th anniversary. Half of 500 is 250, producing the less familiar term for the 2026 national anniversary.

The celebration is also known as America250. The term “semicentennial” can cause confusion because it usually means a 50th anniversary, while “semiquincentennial” specifically identifies a 250th anniversary.

The United States previously celebrated its Bicentennial in 1976, marking 200 years since the Declaration. The 2026 observance therefore continues a sequence of major national anniversary celebrations.