Día de los Muertos Celebrations in Southern California: A Delicate Balance Between Tradition and Fear
In Mexico and parts of Central America, Día de los Muertos is a time-honored tradition to commemorate and celebrate departed family and friends. For generations, Greater Southern California has joined in the celebration with altars, Aztec dances, and displays of marigolds in late October to early November. The day to honor the dead has also served as a day of gathering among the living, fostering a sense of community and connection.
However, some celebrations are being reconsidered due to fears that participants may get caught in deportation raids executed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The Department of Homeland Security announced that it had deported over half a million undocumented people since the Trump Administration took over in January, with more than 2 million people leaving the nation overall.
Canceling Celebrations: A Precautionary Measure
In light of the ongoing raids, some organizers of Día de los Muertos events have decided to cancel their celebrations. Long Beach, for instance, has nixed its annual parade, which drew sizable crowds in the past. The event was canceled at the request of City Councilmember Mary Zendejas, citing “an abundance of caution” due to the large and public nature of the event.
Santa Barbara’s Museum of Contemporary Art and organizations in Berkeley and Eureka have also canceled their celebrations, citing the “threat to undocumented families” as a reason for their decision. Roberto Carlos Lemus, a marketer who brought food trucks and vendors to the festival last year, expressed his disappointment, stating that “everyone’s very sad about the situation” and that the cancellation was “very sad.”
Moving Forward: Celebrations Continue Despite Fears
Despite the fears and concerns, some organizers are choosing to move forward with their celebrations. Division 9 Gallery’s Day of the Dead celebration in downtown Riverside will continue, featuring Aztec dancers, a pageant, processions, Lucha Libre wrestlers, and altars. Organizer Cosmé Cordova stated that he’s not sure if there will be 60 altars or 45,000 attendees, but he’s “not canceling” the event.
Cordova has hired security and is working with the city and local authorities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for attendees. He expressed his confidence in the event, stating that “this is an event that the community comes out for, and I’m not concerned about anyone breaking it up.”
Staying Informed and Connected
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the Día de los Muertos celebrations in Southern California are a testament to the community’s resilience and determination to preserve their cultural heritage. While some events have been canceled due to deportation fears, others are moving forward, showcasing the importance of tradition and community. For more information on Día de los Muertos celebrations and other local news, visit Here
(Connor Sheets/Los Angeles Times)
