Two additional local events celebrating Latino heritage have been canceled due to concerns over stepped-up federal immigration enforcement, following the cancellation of the Coachella Valley’s Virgen de Guadalupe pilgrimage for the same reason earlier this week.
The city of Coachella decided to cancel its traditional Fiestas Patrias event celebrating Mexican pride and independence “due to our community’s fears surrounding ICE activity in the area,” according to city spokesperson Risseth Lora. The free annual event has typically been held at Las Flores Park and included live music, food trucks, electronic bull-riding and games for children.
As an alternative, Telemundo will be broadcasting a live ceremony of “El Grito” — named for the battle cry uttered by Miguel Hidalgo on Sept. 16, 1810 that sparked Mexico’s war for independence from Spain — from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino at 6 p.m. Sunday, according to Lora. Residents 18 and over are also welcome to attend the ceremony in person at the casino…