Long Beach cancels Día de los Muertos parade events

Decision comes in response to public’s ‘genuine fears’ over immigration raids.

- BY SUHAUNA HUSSAIN

LONG BEACH officials said the decision to cancel the parade, pictured in 2023, "did not come lightly."

The city of Long Beach has canceled its annual Día de los Muertos parade, citing concerns raised by community members about federal immigration operations.

The city-sponsored parade is usually held in early November and draws large crowds to Long Beach.

Even though the city is not aware of federal enforcement activity targeting the parade, the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution” because it’s “a large and very public outdoor event,” said Long Beach spokesperson Kevin Lee.

Long Beach City Councilmember Mary Zendejas had requested the cancellation, Lee said.

“This decision did not come lightly,” both Zendejas and the city said in statements. The decision addresses “genuine fears raised by community members, especially those who may face the possibility of sudden and indiscriminate federal enforcement actions that undermine the sense of security necessary to participate fully in public life.”