On the same day that immigration agents gathered at MacArthur Park in Los Angeles for a possible raid, dozens of activists and community members responded quickly and forcefully, forcing the agents to leave the area before taking any action. As a result, the organizers of Día del Salvadoreño announced the cancellation of the 27-year tradition this year.
“The safety of our city and migrant community are our top priorities,” said UNICOMDES/USA in a statement announcing the cancellation of the event, which was scheduled for August 2–3 along the Salvadoran Corridor in the Pico-Union area. “At this time, we cannot guarantee the beautiful experience we’ve provided in previous years due to the large-scale immigration raids we’ve seen across the state — particularly in Los Angeles.”
“It would be irresponsible for us to hold our festival — a public and easily accessible event — without being able to control who enters,” the statement continued fully.
First held in 1998, the traditional celebration takes place along Venice Boulevard, between Normandie and Vermont Avenues. It typically draws more than 50,000 attendees who enjoy music, food, arts and crafts, and the traditional “Bajada del Salvador del Mundo” — the transfiguration of El Salvador’s patron saint.
The event coincides with Fiestas Agostinas, the annual religious celebrations in El Salvador.
Celebrating Salvadoran culture and heritage, the festival is considered the largest of its kind in Los Angeles. This year, some of the confirmed performers included the hip-hop duo Crooked Stilo and artist Micky Cruz.
