The annual Dia de los Muertos Festival de Altares in Eureka, California, has been canceled this year due to community safety concerns, announced the organizing group, Somos Medicina Collective. The event, set for November 2, 2023, traditionally takes place in Eureka’s Old Town square, a location known for its vibrant community gatherings.
In a statement shared via social media on Monday evening, the collective expressed their disappointment, stating, “With a heavy heart, we have decided to cancel our Day of the Dead Festival of Altars celebration this year.” They emphasized that the decision was rooted in the current climate of fear and uncertainty, particularly regarding safety for community members.
The collective further noted, “We feel that we cannot bring our people together safely at this time, when we are being targeted and kidnapped.” The outdoor nature of the event, accessible from multiple streets, raised concerns about participants’ safety amid ongoing tensions.
Somos Medicina Collective acknowledged the outpouring of support from community members who reached out following the announcement. “Día de Muertos Festival de Altares is a community event made by and for the community,” the statement continued. “We felt compelled to take the decision to cancel because we are concerned about everyone’s safety.”
The collective’s message resonated widely, highlighting that many in the community are experiencing difficulties and fear. They stated, “We might be OK, but many of our families are not OK. Many of our friends are not OK. Many of our gente no están bien.”
The decision comes in the context of heightened tensions as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations have reportedly intensified across major cities, particularly targeting Latino communities. According to an Associated Press report, over 1,000 immigrants have been arrested in Chicago since September 8 as part of “Operation Midway Blitz.” These operations have raised alarms regarding indiscriminate detentions, affecting U.S. citizens, legal immigrants, and children alike.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized the aggressive tactics employed during these operations, stating, “They are the ones that are making it a war zone,” referring to the chaotic environment created by law enforcement actions.
In response to these federal operations, California has pushed back by enacting legislation that prohibits local agencies from collecting sensitive information about individuals, particularly impacting immigrant communities, such as street food vendors.
The cancellation of the Dia de los Muertos event highlights the intersection of cultural celebrations and contemporary social issues. The collective’s statement reminded community members that the essence of the tradition is to honor and connect with loved ones who have passed away. “On this day, we talk to them; we bring them food y flores, and we tell their stories,” they stated, urging the community to maintain the spirit of the celebration in their homes.
The Somos Medicina Collective also noted the importance of being mindful of the commercialization of the holiday, emphasizing its true roots in cultural and familial connections. “Remember that this is a day to pray to your ancestors, talk to your abueles, ask for their protection and ask por más amor and safety for todes.”
While Somos Medicina Collective was not available for immediate comment following the announcement, the Times-Standard reached out to Centro del Pueblo, an organization hosting a separate Gran Dia de los Muertos celebration at the Eureka Theater on the same day, which also operates a “Rapid Response Network” to address concerns about ICE activities in Humboldt County. Responses from Centro del Pueblo were pending as of the time of publication.
The cancellation of this beloved community event serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by many and the importance of safety and solidarity within culturally significant celebrations.
