By Sheri Leigh, October 14, 2024
For those of you who attended the premier Fiestas Primavera late March last year, you know what a tremendous success it was. The opening ceremonial blessing of the land, followed by incredible and unique music and dance performances all day long, along with beautiful artwork contributed by local professional and student artists, poetry and essay readings, interactive exploration of one’s own heritage and what brought families or ancestors to the Bay Area, excellent authentic food and crafts, along with the spirit of inclusivity were key elements to the day. Over 2000 people attended, despite the rain.
The goal of honoring all of the people who contributed culturally, economically, and socially to making the Bay area what it is today was achieved. People of all ages, ethnicities, genders and orientations, and socio-economic levels came together to celebrate the coming of spring, and everyone was welcomed. It was truly a meaningful and spectacular event.
The spirit of this event inspired the young people of our town, resulting in their annual self-led La Migra game taking a different form – one that is not based on trauma or racists practices. One that does not involve hazing or any threats to public and personal safety. Our students were involved in the creation and participation of Fiestas Primavera and took the message to heart – the emulation of a brutal and terrifying practice which targets and belittles a group of marginalized people is never an appropriate teen activity.
Fiestas Primavera has marked an historic beginning in Benicia. And for next year’s event, the host of Fiestas Primavera, Solano Aids Coalition, is in partnership with the Benicia Performing Arts Foundation, host of the Diversity Festival, to bring an even richer and more culturally diverse event to our community. Fiestas Primavera and the Diversity Festival is now one big event! Other collaborators include the Benicia School District, the Kyle Hyland Teen Center, the Benicia Public Library, Benicia Black Lives Matter, and many others.
Benicia Fiestas Primavera Celebrates Diversity is to take place on Saturday, April 5th in the City (Gazebo) Park. Like this year, there will be engaging performances and displays of all culturally artistic types, on two stages – not just one. The art and educational tent will continue to be a prominent feature, and there will be children’s activities to keep the young engaged. Culturally appropriate food and arts and craft vendors also make their appearance again. And to add to the celebration of diversity, the Benicia LBTGQIA is hoping to unveil their new public mural which will face the park behind the downtown fire station that morning. It will truly be an event not to miss.
In order to raise the capital needed for this spectacular plan, there will be a series of fun public fundraisers. The first one will be on Sunday, October 27 at Drift, 366 1st Street. To bring the spirit of Fiestas Primavera to life, the owners of Drift are offering a Pasta “Primavera” dinner, including pasta, Caesar salad, a glass of wine, and dessert, all for $60 per plate. Andy and Ruben Brunt (Uncommonwealth) and Sobrecuerdas will provide live dinner music. There will be two seatings, 5:00 and 6:30pm. Since this is a small venue, reservations are required. To reserve a table, please contact Monica at Monica@DriftBenicia.com or leave a message at 707-750-6516. Monica needs your name, number in your party, and preferred seating time. If you’re able to join us, you must make your reservation no later than Tuesday, October 22nd, or you won’t have a table.
And watch for more fun activities leading up to April 5, 2025!
Benicia Fiestas Primavera Celebrates Diversity is for all of us. It is a way to honor the depth and breadth of our complete history and culture. Please join us in making Benicia a fully inclusive and welcoming community through our educational and cultural celebration.