If there is one thing that the immigrant communities residing in Los Angeles are looking forward to, it is their traditional festivals, only this year, the fierce immigration raids launched by the The Trump administration forced the cancellation of important events such as the Guelaguetza and the Salvadoran Day festival.

Some other activities, such as the Chapin Festival, were postponed for a few more months while we waited for the immigration operations to calm down.

“Because the Guelaguetza in Los Angeles could be a vulnerable point for our community, we did not feel safe and decided to cancel the event this year,” said Mauro Hernández, president of the Oaxaca Regional Organization (ORO), organizer of the Guelaguetza festival.

“We also suspended the Convite, which is another celebration that takes place a week before the Guelaguetza.” .

The Convite was scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 28, in the Oaxacan Corridor, on Pico Boulevard between Normandie and Crenshaw boulevards; and the Guelaguetza, on August 3, at the Edward Vincent Amphitheater in Inglewood.

"With the violent and aggressive raids we've had, we didn't want to take any risks because the most important thing for us is the community," he said.

The Guelaguetza celebrations in Los Angeles attract up to 15,000 people each year.

"We've been celebrating it in Los Angeles for 38 years. It's a festival everyone looks forward to, and it's sad not to be there, but we've never seen so much fear and distrust in the community. People aren't going out. Businesses are deserted. We're living in uncertain times, not knowing what's going to happen." Other Guelaguetza festivals in the United States have also been canceled. "The Guelaguetza in Los Angeles isn't just an event. It's a reunion with our roots, an act of cultural resistance, and a collective embrace among those of us who carry the memory of Oaxaca in our hearts. Every dance, every huipil, every note of the band is a way of saying: we're still here, intact in spirit, generous in community. "wrote the Guelaguetza Oregon in an ORO Facebook post announcing the cancellation in Los Angeles. They added: "We deeply regret the cancellation of this long-awaited gathering. We know how much effort, love, and hope had been sown for it to flourish once again. To all the families, artists, and organizers who dreamed of this day, we send our most sincere solidarity." The Guelaguetza is not canceled in the soul — it lives on in each of us, and its spirit will return stronger.

To protect the community

The Salvadoran Day Festival, so eagerly awaited not only by the Salvadoran community but by the general public every summer, was canceled this year also because of immigration raids.

We want to protect our community from what is happening. We did not want to put them at risk, said Wendy Cordero, president of the Unity of Communities of El Salvador (Unicomdes).

The Salvadoran Day Festival was scheduled for the weekend of August 3 and 4.

We've been celebrating it for 17 years, and we were very happy with the preparations, but God decides, Wendy said.

She explained that they made the decision after consulting with Salvadoran authorities in Los Angeles, the media, and sponsors.

Everyone told us it was very difficult to hold the festival at that time, when in recent years up to 60,000 people have attended. Salvadoran Day is a celebration that involves closing off the street to set up a stage where artists and musical groups perform. They also offer mechanical rides and there are various grape harvest and wine stands. useful information to the community.

"Three years ago, we created the Beer Oasis, a family-friendly space with a lot of safety so people can dance."

And another event that attracts a lot of people, Wendy said, is the Transfiguration of the Divine Savior of the World, who is the patron saint of Salvadorans.

"It's a solemn moment where we bring in a priest or a deacon. People can experience that spiritual experience firsthand."

Without a doubt, she says there was sadness over the cancellation of the Official Salvadoran Day, especially because it promotes Salvadoran history, culture, and traditions. "It's a legacy for our youth, the second and third generations who were born on this day." country"

Despite the sadness, he says they also received congratulations for the cancellation because the community's safety comes first.

"We are making the right decision. Next year we will come back stronger, and we trust that we will be able to see each other then, hug and enjoy two days in community.

For now, he said they are experiencing something they never imagined. These raids are something horrible and horrifying.

Chapin Festival Rescheduled

The ninth annual Los Angeles Chapin Festival, which celebrates the contributions of Guatemalan immigrants, was scheduled for August 30 and 31 in Lafayette Park and has been postponed to Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12, 2025.

“Due to the activities carried out by immigration authorities in our county and surrounding counties, and after a thorough analysis and detailed legal consultations regarding the current situation affecting our community, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to reschedule the Los Angeles Chapin Festival.” Angeles 2025†, organizers said in a statement.

This decision was made with the primary objective of ensuring the safety, well-being, and peace of mind of all our sponsors, collaborators, staff, and attendees.

Levitt LA concerts not canceled

The Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles summer concerts held outdoors in MacArthur Park were only postponed for a week due to the raids.

They started on June 28 instead of June 21, and are every Saturday at 6 p.m. It was decided to move forward with certain protocols, and we know that MacArthur Park is a vulnerable place but we also don't want to leave people without any celebration," said Mariluz Gonzalez, spokesperson for Levitt LA, which this year is celebrating its eighteenth annual concert series, completely free and open to the public.

"We haven't had the attendance of other years, but there are people; and the concerts can also be seen on the Levitt LA YouTube channel and Facebook Live for those who prefer to stay home.

It is recommended to confirm attendance through Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/cc/levitt-la-free-2025-summer-concert-series-4324913

For more information, visit: http://levittlosangeles.org/

Marluz said that for now, the East Los Angeles Parade, the Hola México Film Festival, and the Feria de los Moles are still scheduled for September and October.

“But everything will depend on how things continue in terms of immigration.”

They said they understand the importance of the festival for the community and recognize that the change may cause inconvenience.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation and will inform you immediately of any additional developments or changes related to the festival.

They clarify that the safety of the public and the integrity of the event are their priorities.