Despite concerns over federal immigration enforcement, Oakland's Fruitvale district is going forward with its 30th annual Día de los Muertos celebration. According to KTVU, The Unity Council is hosting the festival under the theme "Aqui estamos, y no nos vamos," which translates to "We’re here and we’re not going anywhere." The council has also implemented an emergency response plan to alleviate concerns and encourage attendance.
The festival, expected to attract up to 100,000 attendees, will feature a diverse array of cultural displays, including altars and live entertainment. To counter potential immigration raids, more than 80 volunteers will be on site, thanks to training from the Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership (ACILEP). These volunteers are reportedly ready to act as eyes and ears for the community, according to KTVU. Despite some vendors and the Berkeley's festival canceling over safety concerns, most are steadfast in their presence.
Adding to the layers of preparedness, a "Know Your Rights Pavilion," offering legal resources and consultations, will stand at 35th and International to help clearly communicate the rights of festival-goers, according to The Oaklandside. The event not only serves as a cultural focal point but is also critical for local businesses, with many relying on the day for a substantial part of their annual income.
Local city leaders, alongside The Unity Council, are calling on the community to show support for local businesses by attending. Noel Gallo, the city council representative for the Fruitvale district, assured potential attendees that the event would be safe and family-friendly. The festival, which kicks off Sunday morning, is a testament to the district's resilience and commitment to ensuring the celebration continues, as stated by The Unity Council’s Caheri Gutierrez, who emphasized the importance of unity and resistance in a statement, per KTVU.
Despite the robust precautions, some business owners like Eva Saavedra express concern. Having witnessed a significant downturn in sales since immigration crackdowns escalated, Saavedra told The Oaklandside that "there's a lot of uncertainty as to what could potentially happen." Nonetheless, community members remain hopeful that the festival will bring the needed economic boost after a year of lackluster sales.
