Celebrations for Día de los Muertos in the Bay Area took place this past weekend, despite heightened concerns about potential immigration raids. While some local organizations canceled their events, others embraced the tradition, underscoring the resilience of the community amidst uncertainty.
Jennifer Lomeli, a Mexican-American who has lived in the Bay Area her entire life, expressed her anxiety about the current political climate. “Every day, there’s new information,” she said. Lomeli highlighted the fear instilled in the community due to the threat of actions by federal immigration officials. On October 22, 2023, CBS News reported on a planned immigration operation in the region, which local officials later confirmed had been called off. Despite the cancellation, Lomeli noted a palpable sense of unease among community members attending the celebrations.
At the Tenderloin Street Fair in San Francisco, Lomeli celebrated the holiday, which honors deceased loved ones through a blend of indigenous and Catholic traditions. Yet, she observed that attendance was lower than expected. “I can definitely tell that a lot of community members aren’t feeling safe to go outside,” she remarked. “They’re not even trying to get groceries right now because of everything that is going on.”
In contrast, R.I.S.E. Youth chose to cancel their Día de los Muertos event at Berkeley High School. The organization cited feedback from community members expressing their discomfort with attending gatherings during this period. “We want to honor those feelings and prioritize the wellbeing of our community above all else,” stated the R.I.S.E. Youth Día de los Muertos Committee.
Despite the fears, Deonte Noble, program director at Peralta Hacienda Historical Park in Oakland, affirmed that their event would continue as planned. “We’re very resilient against what’s going on,” Noble said. He emphasized the importance of maintaining positivity and joy, assuring the community that organizers were vigilant and maintaining constant communication regarding safety.
In San Francisco, Mayor Daniel Lurie encouraged residents to celebrate without fear. Speaking at the Tenderloin Street Fair, he stated, “Today is about celebration and honoring those who came before us and honoring our ancestors.” Lurie expressed confidence in the community’s safety during the festivities, announcing plans to visit the Mission district afterwards to further support the local populace.
Lomeli echoed the sentiment of community unity, insisting that concerns regarding immigration enforcement extend beyond just immigrant populations. “I think it’s really important that we work in community amongst everyone,” she stated. “It’s not only affecting Mexicans; it’s affecting everyone, I would argue.”
The Día de los Muertos celebrations in the Bay Area showcased the community’s spirit and dedication to cultural traditions, even in the face of challenges. As residents come together to honor their ancestors, the ongoing dialogue about safety and inclusivity remains a vital part of the conversation.
