Tag Archives: La Migra

Benicia CA, Fiestas Primavera, La Migra

Fiestas Primavera 2025 – Benicia City Park, Saturday, April 5

Fiestas Primavera

The Benicia Fiestas Primavera  cultural festival will take place on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, 10am-6pm, featuring live music, dance, fine art, food, and activities for children, all free and family friendly. LOCATION: Benicia City Park (Gazebo Park), 150 Military West. (MAP)
ABOUT Fiestas Primavera (from Solano Aids Coalition)

Benicia, California –The festival represents an opportunity for all communities to unite in an energetic celebration of change and renewal, to learn about our history and the history of human migration, and to honor cultures which have roots throughout California. During our Celebration, we feature a diverse presentation of music, dance performances, art, cuisine and other cultural aspects that explore the rich heritage and history and the ancestral roots of California.  This year, we are primarily focusing on Mexican, Haitian, Cuban and Native American cultures, but we specifically honor the blend of all cultures that make up our community and the United States.

Solano AIDS Coalition in conjunction with UNIDOS, Benicia Black Lives Matter, and the Benicia Performing Arts Foundation, with support from a number of local organizations and businesses, and with backing from the City of Benicia and the Benicia Unified School District, is hosting this event.  The basis of Fiestas Primavera is not only to welcome spring, but to shed light on racism, bullying, and biases, including an activity that had been traditionally practiced by Benicia teens called “La Migra Game.” The annual “game” historically occurred during spring break and entailed upperclassmen emulating the brutal actions of ICE agents by grabbing lower classmen and taking them to undisclosed locations. The game promoted bullying, racism, and even violence, sometimes engaged and traumatized unsuspecting teens, while being a public safety hazard.  Fiestas Primavera provides an alternative view of immigration, welcoming our community to see the benefits of our uniquely diverse culture.

ABOUT – from the Fiesta Primavera Event Page on Facebook (English/Spanish)

Fiestas Primavera Festival in Benicia City is a highly anticipated annual event that brings together communities from all walks of life to celebrate the beauty of change and renewal. Taking place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the picturesque Gazebo Park, this festival is a vibrant symbol of unity and cultural diversity.

The festival offers attendees a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in environmental and cultural experiences that showcase the rich history of human migration and the contributions of various cultures to the development of Benicia. From music and dance performances to art exhibitions and culinary delights, the Spring Festival promises a day filled with excitement and discovery.

One of the key highlights of the festival is the exploration of the cultural heritage of Mexico, Latin America, Cuba, Haitian and Native American communities. Through a series of engaging presentations, attendees will have the chance to learn about the traditions, customs, and values that have shaped these diverse cultures and continue to influence the fabric of society in Benicia.

Furthermore, Fiestas Primavera serves as a platform for honoring the ancestral roots of California and recognizing the significant impact of different cultural groups on the development of the region. By showcasing the unique contributions of each community, the Fiestas Primavera Festival fosters a sense of appreciation and respect for the cultural diversity that makes Benicia a vibrant and inclusive place to live.

Fiestas Primavera festival is not just a celebration of cultural heritage; it is also a testament to the power of unity and collaboration. By bringing together people from various backgrounds, the festival promotes a sense of togetherness and mutual understanding, creating a stronger sense of community and solidarity among residents of Benicia.

El Festival Fiestas Primavera en la ciudad de Benicia es un evento anual muy esperado que reúne a comunidades de todas las esferas de la vida para celebrar la belleza del cambio y la renovación. Teniendo lugar el sábado 5 de abril de 2025, en el pintoresco Parque Gazebo en Benicia este festival es un vibrante símbolo de unidad y diversidad cultural.
El festival ofrece a los asistentes una oportunidad única para sumergirse en un ambiente de experiencias culturales que muestran la rica historia de la migración humana y las contribuciones de diversas culturas al desarrollo de Benicia. Desde presentaciones de música y danza hasta exposiciones de arte y delicias culinarias, el Festival de Primavera promete un día lleno de emoción y descubrimiento.
Uno de los principales puntos destacados del festival es la exploración del patrimonio cultural de México, América Latina, Cuba, Haití y las comunidades nativas americanas. A través de una serie de presentaciones atractivas, los asistentes tendrán la oportunidad de aprender sobre las tradiciones, costumbres y valores que han dado forma a estas diversas culturas y continúan influyendo en el tejido social de Benicia.
Además, Fiestas Primavera sirve como plataforma para honrar las raíces ancestrales de California y reconocer el impacto significativo de diferentes grupos culturales en el desarrollo de la región. Al mostrar las contribuciones únicas de cada comunidad, el Festival Fiestas Primavera fomenta un sentido de aprecio y respeto por la diversidad cultural que hace de Benicia un lugar vibrante e inclusivo para vivir.
El festival Fiestas Primavera no es solo una celebración del patrimonio cultural; también es un testimonio del poder de la unidad y la colaboración. Al reunir a personas de diversos orígenes, el festival promueve un sentido de unión y comprensión mutua, creando un mayor sentido de comunidad y solidaridad entre los residentes de Benicia.
Benicia, Benicia CA, Benicia High School, La Migra, Sheri Leigh

Fiestas Primavera also Celebrates Diversity

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.  

Benicia, Benicia CA, Benicia High School, La Migra, Sheri Leigh

Sun., Oct. 27: Pasta Primavera Fundraiser for Benicia Fiestas Primavera – Celebrating Diversity Event

Where: Drift, 366 First Street, Benicia, CA

When: Sunday, October 27, 2024 for 5pm and 6:30pm seatings

Details: The proceeds of this event go towards an excellent cause.  Benicia Fiestas Primavera Celebrating Diversity is an inclusive and interactive educational and cultural event celebrating the cultural and historical of all immigrants, past and present.  Our efforts are to unify and celebrate Benicia and the surrounding communities through dance, music, poetry, ritual, art displays and educational activities.     

The fundraiser at Drift is $60 per plate, which includes Pasta Primavera, Caesar Salad, Glass of Wine, and Dessert.   Live music will be performed by Sobrecuerdas, Andy Brunt, and Ruben Brunt.  

Due to limited seating, reservations are required by October 22. Please contact Monica at Monica@DriftBenicia.com or 707-750-6516. 

Sponsors:  Benicia Public Library, Benicia Unified School District, Kyle Hyland Foundation, Benicia Black Lives Matter

About us:  The Solano Aids Coalition (EIN 36-4639664) provides services, education, information and assistance to those in our community affected by the HIV virus. We build community support and awareness in the fight against HIV. 

The Benicia Performing Arts Foundation (EIN 45-0531250) is dedicated to promoting the performing arts and education to the community, especially the youth of the community. 

Benicia, Benicia CA, Benicia High School, Benicia Police, Benicia Police Department, Benicia School Board, Benicia Unified School District, La Migra, Sheri Leigh

Fiestas Primaveras Prize-Winning Essay: “How La Migra impacts our Community, and what we can do to change it”

[Note from BenIndy: As part of the Solano AIDS Network and BBLM’s inaugural Fiestas Primavera Festival on March 28, 2024, Benicia High School students were invited to submit writings for an essay contest discussing issues related to the chase-games malingering presence in a town that seemed ready to move on. This essay tackled the tough topic of why students are drawn to the game – namely, “there isn’t much [for teens] to do in Benicia” – and what else might deliver the same thrills for Benicia youth, minus the racism and looming danger of injuries, arrests, and even fatalities.]

Spencer and Mario Saucedo at Benicia’s Fiestas Primavera on March 28, 2024. | Photo by family.

By Spencer Ball, May 28, 2024

The game “La Migra” or “Border Patrol” has been treated as a tradition toward high school students at Benicia high school for several decades. The aim of the game is for the higher classmen (Seniors who are able to drive) to chase down lowerclassmen from Jack London Park to the baseball field downtown. This is a 3-4 mile journey the lowerclassmen, mostly freshmen, must complete on foot throughout the roads and fields on Benicia while avoiding the seniors that are able to kidnap, shoot, and harrass you and hinder you from reaching the baseball field. Now this seems like a fun cops and robbers game, there isn’t much to do in Benicia anyway and to have an intense chase game that uses the entire city and a playground sounds extremely fun. 

However there is also the concern of non players and the safety of others playing the game. The game takes place late in the afternoon and lasts until around 10:00 pm at night. For a majority of the time people are in the dark, running around the street, avoiding Seniors in their cars who are most likely driving erratically to catch the lowerclassmen.

This can lead to accidents of people getting run over or people getting into wrecks. On another note there is the concern of people who are not playing being confused for players. During the game the seniors assume anybody who is a teenager and out walking or running down the sidewalk is playing, which could subject them to being shot at or kidnapped without even knowing what is going on. I would be terrified if I was walking down the street and then out of nowhere somebody drove up to Me, kidnapped me, and dropped me off, potentially restrained in a location far and foreign to Me, for possibly hours on end. 

Lastly La Migra, meaning Border Patrol, was originally created to replicate ICE and the deportation of illegal immigrants coming into the country. This gives La Migra, which most people play for the cops and robbers gameplay, a racist and discriminatory premise, which is not needed in today’s culture.

I believe we can fix this through rebranding the game and playing it in a controlled area such as the Benicia Community Park, with the aid of the city of professionals who can make the game even better than it was with Seniors in their cars and BB guns.

What if we could get funding behind a cause to rework the game and get military personnel or professionals to provide a simulated cops-and-robbers game like what was La Migra, but controlled, with EMT services to help people in case there is an accident, and have the potential to be way better more funner and memorable? If students want the thrill of chase or battle, these people can give that to us. It would be an event that people might come to Benicia to participate in, news articles will give it traction, and it will turn what was once La Migra into a inclusive game where people will be able to enjoy a game in a way unimaginable before, and without racial bias rooted into the phenomenon.

[This essay was edited very mildly for clarity.]