What formal name is used for America250, the United States’ 2026 anniversary celebration?

America250’s 2026 anniversary celebration is formally called the United States Semiquincentennial.

“Semiquincentennial” combines Latin-derived elements meaning half of five hundred, or 250 years. The term describes the anniversary of the 1776 Declaration of Independence and is used alongside the brand name America250. Less common alternatives include sestercentennial, quarter millennium, and bisesquicentennial.

The celebration is not the 250th anniversary of every institution in the country. It specifically commemorates the Declaration of Independence and the founding-era movement that created the United States. Events have included commemorative coins, maritime gatherings, educational programs, public ceremonies, and local anniversary projects.

The word is sometimes confused with “sesquicentennial,” which means a 150th anniversary. The United States previously marked its bicentennial in 1976, while its semiquincentennial falls in 2026. The next major national milestone will be the tricentennial in 2076.