Sorry, folks: Long Beach’s annual Día de Los Muertos parade has been cancelled for 2025. City officials announced the cancellation of the November 2 event, along with the companion Arte y Ofrendas Festival, citing heightened immigration enforcement across Los Angeles County.
Councilwoman Mary Zendejas, who represents the First District, broke the news, noting that concerns around recent federal operations weighed heavily on the decision. The parade normally draws hundreds to downtown for floats, music and altars honoring loved ones who’ve passed—a cornerstone of Mexican cultural tradition.
"This decision did not come lightly and was a result of concerns related to activities in the region being conducted by federal law enforcement," said a statement from Zendejas' office. "While the City is not aware of federal enforcement activity targeting the parade, a large and very public outdoor event, the decision to cancel this year's parade was made out of an abundance of caution to address the 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 in public life."
While Long Beach has decided to cancel, celebrations elsewhere in Southern California have gone ahead as planned. East L.A.’s massive Mexican Independence Day parade drew thousands, and Santa Ana’s Fiestas Patrias festival packed the streets. But in Long Beach, tensions are on the rise with recent ICE action. Over the weekend, federal officers carried out an operation at Bixby Knolls Carwash, where seven people from El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico were taken into custody.
Mayor Rex Richardson condemned the action in strong terms. “These federal raids are cruel, discriminatory, and unacceptable,” he posted on X. “Long Beach will not be intimidated—ICE has NO PLACE in our city.”
For residents and parade regulars, the absence of this year’s festivities is a blow. Día de Los Muertos is a sacred observance where families create ofrendas, or altars, with food, flowers and photos, welcoming the spirits of the departed back for a night.
There is, however, some good news for next year. Zendejas confirmed that the city will roll over unused funds from 2025 and add them to the 2026 budget, giving organizers a $100,000 boost to bring the event back stronger.