Fiesta DC Presses On Amid ICE Fears and Festival Cancellations

A Celebration of Culture Amid Rising Fears

As we walk down Pennsylvania Avenue, Maria Patricia Corrales shares the vision for Fiesta DC, the nation’s largest Hispanic festival. She points to where a stage will be set up for the annual “Miss Fiesta” beauty pageant and describes how the aroma of frying pupusas will attract passersby. While she speaks with enthusiasm, she also acknowledges that hosting Fiesta DC—this year on September 27 and 28—is not without its challenges.

Corrales, the president of Fiesta DC, admits that the event might face scrutiny. She is aware that immigration agents could show up, and she admits it’s a risk she is taking. This year’s festival comes at a time when increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence in the capital has created a climate of fear among many immigrants. The festival, which usually draws thousands, is now under the spotlight as other similar events in the area have been canceled.

Fiesta DC is not the only event affected by the heightened law enforcement activity. Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, typically features dozens of festivals and cultural events throughout the Washington area. However, this year, many have been altered or canceled due to fears stemming from ICE arrests and detentions.

Earlier this summer, organizers of Festival Salvadoreñisimo, a Salvadorian festival in Gaithersburg that had been held for nearly 20 years, decided to postpone its event until next year, effectively canceling the 2025 festival. Fredy Diaz, one of the organizers, stated that holding a large public event at this time could unintentionally create an opportunity for immigration enforcement actions, and they refused to put anyone at risk. Hector Diaz, another organizer, explained that while vendors and sponsors were surprised by the cancellation—some can earn $5,000 to $7,000 for the daylong event—they ultimately understood the decision.

Even local government-organized festivals have not been spared. The Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation canceled its annual Hispanic Festival after hearing concerns from immigrant community members. Jennifer Munoz, the Latino Media Engagement Specialist at PG County parks, said the decision was made following significant input from the community.

In Washington, D.C., the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA) quietly canceled an August 23 AfroLatino Festival during the federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department and rescheduled it for September 26. When contacted, MOLA declined to comment on the decision to cancel certain events. The office has also modified festivals such as Mi Pequeño El Salvador, shifting it from a traditional party at Lamont Plaza to smaller cultural and musical presentations in front of local businesses affected by recent sales declines.

During the federalization of the Metropolitan Police Department by President Trump, local officers assisted ICE in making arrests. Since then, DC has regained control over its police force, and Mayor Muriel Bowser reversed course on this collaboration. However, the President has recently threatened to assert control over MPD again if officers refuse to cooperate with ICE.

Corrales argues that honoring traditions and heritage is more important than ever in the face of fear induced by ICE detainments. She has been organizing Fiesta DC for over a dozen years, having first been captivated by the event when it was held on Columbia Road in Mount Pleasant.

When asked about her plan should ICE show up at Fiesta DC, Corrales compared the situation to three years ago when she decided not to cancel the festival despite a severe storm warning. This year, she says, she is making a similar decision.

“I work in construction. That’s actually my trade and family training,” she explains. “When you start something like the footings, you have to put up your walls and continue with the structure.” In her view, ICE is unpredictable and beyond her control—like that storm three years ago. Although, as with the storm, she has done her best to prepare.

“The only thing that we have to do is to comply with the requirements of an event. That’s what we’re doing,” she says. “We’re also very careful to specify that in order to win any prize, you have to have the right documents to do that.” She has also prepared contingency plans should lack of attendance jeopardize vendor earnings: her staff will buy as much food from them as possible, and if turnout is low, she will waive next year’s attendance fee.

Corrales notes that there have been whispers in the community suggesting she should cancel, but she remains firm that the party will go on. “I have gone through good days, bad days,” she says. “I’m putting myself in the hands of God. I’m not canceling. I’m not going to let the fear win.”