LA Guatemalan festival postponed over immigration enforcement concern

Organizers of the annual Festival Chapín Los Angeles for the region’s Guatemalan community announced Tuesday that they have postponed the event due to concerns over recent federal immigration enforcement activity.

Hosted by Chapín Summer Festival Inc., a California-based nonprofit, the event celebrates Guatemalan culture through music, food, art and traditional dance.

The ninth edition of the two-day festival, originally scheduled for Aug. 30-31, will now be held Oct. 11-12 at Lafayette Park in the Westlake area of Los Angeles. The location remains unchanged.

“We decided to reschedule the 2025 Festival Chapín Los Angeles due to action taken by immigration authorities in our county and neighboring areas, following careful analysis and legal consultations,” according to the announcement made Tuesday.

“This decision aims to ensure the safety and well-being of all sponsors, collaborators, staff, and attendees. Your safety and the integrity of our event remain our top priorities,” the statement continued.

The organization bills itself as “dedicated to promoting Guatemalan art and culture internationally.”

Last year, the festival spanned a seven-block stretch in the heart of the Guatemalan community at the park. The event featured musical talent, including Alma Huiteca, Maya Excelsior and Ballet Folklórico del Inguat.

The term “Chapín” is a word Guatemalans use with pride to describe their heritage, organizers noted.

(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *