Day of the Dead parade held in South Philly; Kensington community hub bids farewell.

As the sun set on the Day of the Dead in Philadelphia, communities gathered to celebrate resilience and cultural traditions. On South Ninth Street, the Italian Market served as the backdrop for a vibrant festival organized by the Association of Mexican Business Owners of Philadelphia. This marks the second year in which the festival has been held, showcasing traditional dances, contests, a Catrina parade, and an array of culinary delights that attracted hundreds of attendees.

Despite the festive atmosphere, the absence of certain community members was palpable. Many residents expressed concerns stemming from recent immigration enforcement actions. On October 22, local immigration advocates reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested four individuals in Philadelphia, including a resident from the Italian Market. This climate of fear has led to hesitation among some in the Latino community about participating in public events.

One attendee, a mother of three who wished to remain anonymous due to her immigration status, shared her conflicted feelings about attending the festival amidst fears of potential raids by ICE. She reflected on the importance of these cultural celebrations, fostering a sense of belonging. Her hope is that her children learn to be resilient, despite the uncertainties they face.

The festival also included an artistic component, with Claudia Peregrina presenting an altar titled “La Travesia.” This installation served as a tribute to immigrants who have lost their lives during perilous journeys northward, particularly those who have died attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border. This altar, adorned with sugar skulls, marigolds, and food offerings, represented a somber reminder of the estimated 10,000 to 80,000 immigrants who have perished during border crossings since 1994.

In addition to these reflections on loss and resilience, the festival fostered a sense of community among attendees of diverse backgrounds, contributing to a collective understanding of the immigrant experience in Philadelphia.

However, not all gatherings this weekend ended in celebration. Cantina La Martina, a beloved local establishment in Kensington, held its final Day of the Dead event on Sunday night before closing its doors. Owners Dionicio Jiménez and Mariangeli Alicea Saez expressed bittersweet feelings as they bid farewell to their cherished community space, citing numerous challenges faced since 2022, including supply chain issues and escalating neighborhood violence.

In their closing ceremony, the restaurant was filled with music, traditional dances, and an altar reflecting community values that have been lost over the past year, such as justice and empathy. The owners encouraged the remaining members of the community to continue advocating for better living conditions in Kensington. The festival underscored the resilience of the immigrant community while also highlighting the ongoing struggles they face. This juxtaposition of celebration and somber reflection epitomizes the spirit of the Day of the Dead, inviting all to honor both the living and the deceased.

As Philadelphia fosters these inclusive experiences, it showcases the rich diversity of its immigrant communities, reinforcing their enduring contributions to the cultural fabric of the city.