The official civic ceremony is still set for Sept. 15 on the west balcony of the State Capitol.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In just over a week, when the Mexican community marks Mexican Independence Day, Sacramento’s annual festival at the State Capitol will be absent. The Mexican Cultural Center of Northern California announced the festival will not take place this year, citing the political climate and safety concerns.
For years, the event has drawn crowds with live music, dancing, food and vendors. Lodi community organizer Sandra Vargas said the festival attracts people from across the region.
“It gives you a sense of belonging,” Vargas said.
While the festival is canceled, the Consulate General will still hold the civic ceremony on the west balcony of the Capitol at 7 p.m. on Sept. 15.
In a statement, the president of the Mexican Cultural Center of Northern California encouraged the public to attend the ceremony.
“Our mission remains strong: to celebrate and uplift Mexican culture, heritage, and history. While we will not host the larger festival this year, we invite the community to join us for the civic ceremony and to honor El Grito with family and community in meaningful ways,” the statement said.
Vargas said some in the community have become reluctant to gather publicly. She pointed to heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration and false reports of immigration authorities in the city as fueling fear.
“We hear from the community that we have certain groups that create a false narrative that ICE has been present in the city. So obviously, when we don’t have the proof to show otherwise, it creates this fear amongst the community,” Vargas said.
But Vargas argued that is why the festival should continue.
“By not having it still in Sacramento, it can send a negative message to the community,” said Vargas. “Not being afraid is power. Showing up is power. Speaking up is power. Let’s not be afraid.”
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