Why Did Long Beach Cancel the Dia de Los Muertos Parade?

The city of Long Beach has decided to cancel its annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration amid heightened immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles County. This cancellation aims to alleviate community fears regarding federal law enforcement activities that may affect participation in public events.

Last updated: 02 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Long Beach cancels its Dia de Los Muertos celebration due to immigration enforcement concerns.
• The decision was announced by City Councilwoman Mary Zendejas.
• Unspent funding from this year's parade will support next year's event with a total of £100,000.
• The cancellation reflects broader community apprehensions regarding federal operations in the area.
• Despite local cancellations, other celebrations, like those in East Los Angeles, continued as planned.

Background on Long Beach's Decision

As the Dia de Los Muertos celebration approached, City Councilwoman Mary Zendejas released a statement explaining that the decision to cancel was not made lightly. She outlined that the move was prompted by genuine fears within the community regarding potential federal enforcement actions, which could jeopardise the safety and participation of attendees.

The Dia de Los Muertos celebration in Long Beach was scheduled for 2 November, coinciding with the Arte y Ofrendas Festival. Both events have now been called off as part of the city's efforts to protect its residents. Zendejas emphasised that while there was no specific intelligence indicating a federal operation targeting the parade, the overarching climate of fear warranted a cautious approach.

The Significance of Dia de Los Muertos

Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a deeply revered tradition in Mexican culture. It serves as a time for family and friends to honour and remember their deceased loved ones. During this celebration, families create ofrendas, or altars, adorned with photographs, food, and gifts for those who have passed on. The day is synonymous with a belief that the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest, enabling a spiritual reunion of sorts.

Community Reactions and Wider Implications

The cancellation of Long Beach's Dia de Los Muertos celebration has sparked varied reactions within the community. Many residents express disappointment over the lost opportunity to celebrate a significant cultural event. Others, however, understand the decision as a necessary precaution in light of recent federal operations.

Mayor Rex Richardson also addressed the community's concerns, condemning the recent federal enforcement activities in Long Beach. He cited an operation that occurred at Bixby Knolls Carwash over the weekend, although specifics were not disclosed. His statement highlighted the city's commitment to supporting local businesses and employees affected by such actions, reinforcing that Long Beach will not be intimidated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Funding for Future Celebrations

In a bid to maintain the spirit of the Dia de Los Muertos celebrations, Zendejas announced that unspent funds from the current fiscal year will be allocated to next year's festivities. This decision will provide a total of £100,000 for the 2026 parade, ensuring that the community can look forward to future celebrations despite the present challenges.

Current Climate of Immigration Enforcement

The cancellation of this year's Dia de Los Muertos celebration is indicative of a larger trend in Southern California, where community events are increasingly being affected by immigration enforcement actions. While many festivities, such as Mexican Independence Day celebrations, have continued despite these concerns, the fear of federal raids looms large in many communities.

In East Los Angeles, for instance, thousands attended their annual parade, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. However, the contrasting responses in different areas illustrate the complex relationship between cultural expression and immigration policy in the region.

What Happens Next?

As the situation regarding immigration enforcement continues to evolve, communities may need to reassess their plans for public events. Local leaders are likely to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing concerns from residents, especially those who may feel vulnerable due to federal enforcement actions.

For Long Beach, the cancellation of the Dia de Los Muertos celebration serves as a reminder of the ongoing discussions around immigration policy and its effects on community cohesion. The city is poised to take necessary steps to protect its residents while also honouring cultural traditions in future celebrations.

Conclusion

The decision to cancel the Dia de Los Muertos celebration in Long Beach reflects a growing apprehension surrounding immigration enforcement in the area. As the city navigates this complex landscape, the focus remains on preserving cultural heritage while ensuring community safety. What other measures might cities take to protect their residents during significant cultural events? #DiaDeLosMuertos #LongBeach #CommunitySafety

FAQs

What is Dia de Los Muertos?

Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican tradition that honours deceased loved ones through the creation of ofrendas, or altars, decorated with photographs, food, and gifts.

Why was the Dia de Los Muertos celebration in Long Beach canceled?

The celebration was cancelled due to concerns about federal immigration enforcement operations in the area, which raised fears among community members about safety during public events.

When was the Dia de Los Muertos celebration scheduled to take place?

The Dia de Los Muertos celebration in Long Beach was scheduled for 2 November, alongside the Arte y Ofrendas Festival, both of which have now been cancelled.

What has the city done regarding funding for future celebrations?

The city plans to combine unspent funding from the current fiscal year with budgeted funds for 2026, amounting to £100,000 for next year's parade.

How do community members feel about the cancellation?

Community reactions to the cancellation have been mixed, with some expressing disappointment over the lost celebration and others supporting the decision as a necessary precaution for safety.