The annual Dia de los Muertos Festival de Altares in Eureka has been canceled due to escalating safety concerns within the community. The event, organized by the Somos Medicina Collective, was scheduled for Sunday, November 2, in Old Town Eureka, located at the intersection of F and 2nd Streets. The collective announced the cancellation on social media, expressing deep regret over the decision.
In the statement shared on Monday evening, the collective emphasized their inability to ensure safety for participants at a time when community members face increased risks of targeting and violence. “With a heavy heart, we have decided to cancel our Day of the Dead Festival of Altars celebration this year. We feel that we cannot bring our people together safely at this time,” the statement read.
The collective further explained that the outdoor nature of the event, which traditionally allows open access from all streets, contributed to their concerns regarding safety. They expressed gratitude to those who had reached out with support and understanding.
“Día de Muertos Festival de Altares is a community event made by and for the community,” the statement continued. It acknowledged the difficult circumstances many families within the community are facing, stating, “We might be OK, but many of our families are not OK. Many of our friends are not OK.”
Community Safety and Political Climate
The decision to cancel the festival comes amidst reports of increasingly aggressive operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in various cities across the United States. Since September 8, over 1,000 immigrants have been arrested in Chicago alone as part of “Operation Midway Blitz,” which reportedly targets members of the Latino community and other communities of color.
In a recent report, AP News highlighted that U.S. citizens, legal immigrants, and children have been caught in the crossfire of these aggressive detentions. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker described the situation, stating, “They are the ones that are making it a war zone… They fire tear gas and smoke grenades, and they make it look like it’s a war zone.”
California has actively pushed back against federal actions targeting immigrant populations. Recently, the state signed into law measures that prevent local government agencies from collecting sensitive information about immigrant communities, including street food vendors.
The announcement of the festival’s cancellation also coincided with news that the Department of Homeland Security is considering significant changes to ICE’s leadership structure, potentially increasing the presence of Customs and Border Protection personnel in key roles. Such changes raise concerns about the continuation of aggressive tactics against immigrant communities in California and beyond.
A Call for Reflection and Connection
Despite the cancellation, the Somos Medicina Collective reminded the community of the festival’s essence, which is rooted in honoring and connecting with loved ones who have passed. “On this day, we talk to them; we bring them food y flores, and we tell their stories,” they stated. They cautioned against the over-commercialization of Dia de los Muertos, urging people to focus on its true meaning: a day to remember ancestors and seek their protection.
While the festival may not be held this year, the collective encouraged community members to celebrate privately at home, creating altars and remembering those who have departed. The message reflects a poignant reminder of the importance of cultural traditions, even in challenging times.
The Times-Standard reached out to Centro del Pueblo, which is hosting a Gran Dia de los Muertos celebration at the Eureka Theater on November 2, to address concerns regarding ICE operations in Humboldt County. However, there was no response by the time of the article’s publication.
For further information or assistance, community members can contact Robert Schaulis at 707-441-0585.
