Summary
The El Carnaval de Puebla in Philadelphia, a major event celebrating Mexican culture, was canceled for the second year in a row due to concerns about immigration enforcement. Organizers worried that increased ICE raids under President Trump's administration might lead to detentions at the event. The festival, which earlier drew crowds of about 15,000 people, coincides with Cinco de Mayo and celebrates Mexico's victory at the Battle of Puebla.
Key Facts
- El Carnaval de Puebla is one of Philadelphia's largest Mexican cultural events.
- The festival is traditionally held around May 5, celebrating the Battle of Puebla.
- Concerns about immigration enforcement led to the cancellation.
- Organizers feared potential detentions and a lower turnout because of these concerns.
- President Trump's administration has expanded immigration enforcement efforts.
- Similar events in other cities have also been canceled or scaled back.
- The festival has experienced previous cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- There are no plans to replace the festival in 2026, but organizers hope it will return.
