This past weekend, Lafayette Park in Los Angeles transformed into a lively hub for the Guatemalan community with the annual Festival Chapín, attracting thousands of attendees, many sporting Guatemalan soccer jerseys.
The atmosphere was filled with the sounds of traditional Guatemalan music and the enticing aromas of food, as various vendors set up tents showcasing authentic dishes, art, and crafts from Guatemala.
Giovanni Bautista, spokesperson for the festival, expressed the joy of the attendees, stating, “Everybody’s having fun, people are having their food, hearing marimba music.”
The event featured an official inauguration ceremony, highlighted by a giant Guatemalan flag and a rendition of the national anthem, reinforcing a sense of pride and community among the participants.
In addition to festivities focused on culture and heritage, the festival also provided a critical resource, offering immigration consultations through attorneys who were present to help attendees navigate their rights and potential paths to citizenship.
Following a summer postponement due to aggressive raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the festival aimed to foster a sense of safety and resilience among Guatemalans in Los Angeles.
William Alma Mills, an immigration attorney at the festival, noted the urgency of their presence, stating, “There’s a lot of ICE raids happening, and it’s urgent that people who have a route to residency take advantage of those opportunities.”
He highlighted that many individuals remain unaware of their potential eligibility for U.S. residency, underscoring the importance of legal guidance in these challenging times.
Despite the fears associated with raids and deportations, Bautista emphasized the significance of joy and cultural connection at the festival.
“For many community members, it’s important to have fun in the midst of that,” he said. “This festival is a chance for Guatemalans living in Los Angeles to enjoy the customs, traditions, and culture they miss from their homeland.”
This year, the theme of the festival revolved around Chicicastenango, a small village in Guatemala known for its cultural richness and historical importance.
Performers dressed in vibrant costumes showcased traditional dances outside a replica of the Santo Tomás church, captivating the audience with the ceremonial “Baile de Los Moros y Cristianos.”
Attendees included six congressmen from Guatemala, who expressed solidarity with the diaspora community.
Miguel Ovalle, president of the Migrants Committee of the Guatemalan Congress, likened the festival to the fairs and public markets found in Guatemala, reinforcing the connections that bind the community together.
Ligia Montenegro, a second-generation Guatemalan, brought her daughters to the festival to immerse them in their cultural heritage, a connection she feels deeply supportive of.
“My daughters wanted to come and see what the culture is like, what kind of different foods they have,” she shared, highlighting the educational aspect of the event for her family.
Café Quetzal offered attendees a taste of Guatemala’s rich coffee tradition, while an array of traditional foods like tamales, enchiladas, carne asada, and agua frescas delighted festival-goers.
Bartolo Hernandez, who attended with his family, was one of the vendors, selling Maya textiles and costuming designs brought by his sister from Guatemala.
Hernandez shared his joy in attending the festival over the years, noting a growing presence and enthusiasm with each iteration of the event, particularly for families like his.
“This opportunity is a joy for us because we are coming together,” Hernandez remarked, emphasizing the festival’s role in fostering community spirit among Guatemalans.
Jessica Ramirez, whose mother immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager, resonated with the feelings of pride and connection experienced at the festival.
“It’s nice to be surrounded with our people, to hear our music, just be proud to be who we are,” she said, reflecting on the sense of belonging and comfort the event created.
Attending the festival for the second time, Ozwaldo Flores emphasized the importance of honoring cultural roots, stating that such gatherings counter the division present in society today.
“In this country, at this time, everybody is separate for different reasons. So to get together here, for the same future, the same roots and the same food, is perfect,” Flores concluded, embodying the spirit of unity celebrated at the festival.
Overall, Festival Chapín not only served as a joyous celebration of Guatemalan culture, but also as a vital resource and safe space for a community navigating the complexities of life in the U.S.
image source from：latimes
