What was the 200th anniversary called that preceded America’s 250th anniversary in 2026?

The 200th anniversary that preceded America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 was the United States Bicentennial.

The bicentennial marked 200 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776. Its main anniversary year was 1976, and celebrations took place across the country through parades, exhibitions, educational programs, commemorative objects, and public ceremonies.

The bicentennial followed the centennial of 1876 and the sesquicentennial of 1926. The 2026 semiquincentennial continues this sequence of national anniversary observances, but its name refers specifically to 250 years rather than 200.

A bicentennial is a 200th anniversary; a centennial is a 100th anniversary; and a sesquicentennial is a 150th anniversary. The 2026 event is also called the United States Semiquincentennial, a term formed from Latin and Greek elements referring to half of five hundred.