The organizers of the Festival Chapín de Los Angeles have decided to postpone the annual Guatemalan cultural event due to rising worries about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in the area.
Originally set for August 30 and 31, the festival will now take place on October 11 and 12 at Lafayette Park in the Westlake area of Los Angeles, the same location as before.
Celebrating its ninth year, the festival spans across eight blocks and serves as a vital community event for many with Guatemalan heritage in the Los Angeles area, where over 454,000 Guatemalans reside.
In their press release, the organizers emphasized the importance of safety for all involved, stating, “This decision aims to ensure the safety and well-being of all sponsors, collaborators, staff, and attendees. Your safety and the integrity of our event remain our top priorities.”
The postponement of the Festival Chapín de Los Angeles is part of a broader pattern this summer.
The Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles had to cancel its first concert of the season on June 21 due to fears of ICE raids, and other local Fourth of July celebrations, such as those in Bell Gardens and East Los Angeles, were also called off for similar reasons.
Even the Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Summer Block Party had to be postponed from its original July 4 schedule, reflecting the pervasive concern among immigrant communities.
Since early June, aggressive ICE sweeps have sparked significant fear, resulting in the arrest of nearly 2,800 individuals across Los Angeles, with most operations being executed by heavily armed agents.
In response, local communities have mobilized protests against these immigration practices, though the fear of such raids is also leading to changes in cultural programming.
Recently, the situation saw a glimmer of hope when a federal judge issued an injunction aiming to restrict immigration enforcement tactics in Southern California.
Nonetheless, President Donald Trump’s administration responded with an appeal to lift these restrictions, expressing intentions to intensify mass deportations across the region.
Walter Rosales, president of Chapín Summer Festival, has shared his distress over witnessing the fear impacting the Latino community.
He has closely followed news regarding ongoing immigration raids and is determined to ensure the safety of festival attendees, organizers, and vendors alike.
Rosales expressed his sadness regarding the situation, stating, “[I feel] sad because we’ve seen how they’ve violated the rights of each person. It hasn’t been done through the legal channels or in a correct manner. It’s rather abusive.”
He views Festival Chapín de Los Angeles as a crucial opportunity for Guatemalan residents to reconnect with their cultural roots through food, art, and celebration.
Typically, the festival attracts approximately 80,000 visitors over its two days.
“There are people that need their community, no?” Rosales added.
This year, the festival theme will revolve around the Guatemalan highlands of Chichicastenango, where the sacred Mayan manuscript known as the Popol Vuh originated.
The Popol Vuh narrates the Mayan creation story and contributes to the festival’s focus.
Additionally, festivities will honor Tecun Uman, a Kʼiche leader and Guatemala’s national hero known for resisting Spanish colonization—a figure likely resonant with today’s immigrant struggles.
Rosales remains hopeful that by October, the current tensions will have eased.
The festival organizers have committed to monitoring the situation closely and will keep the public updated on any developments affecting the festival.
image source from：latimes
