Tag Archives: La Migra

Benicia CA, Fiestas Primavera, La Migra

Fiestas Primavera 2026 – Benicia City Park, Saturday, March 28

Fiestas Primavera 2026
A Day of Unity

(Click image to download poster)
The Benicia Fiestas Primavera  cultural festival will take place on Saturday, March 28th, 2026, Noon-5pm, 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

Benicia, California –Mark your calendars for March 28!  It’s a day of embracing our differences and strengthening our community through voice and cultural celebration.

Fiestas Primavera will follow after the No Kings Protests in Benicia (9-10:30am) and Vallejo (10am-noon). Orchestrated by Mario Saucedo of the Solano Aids Coalition, Fiestas Primavera will bring this important day in our community home with an extravaganza of ceremony, speech, music, dance, crafts, food, and education.  Fiestas Primavera will be held at City (Gazebo) Park from noon until 5pm.  The festival is free, inclusive, and educational, and centers around the young people of our community.

Born out of the negative impacts of an unsafe and racially charged game the teens here used to play called “La Migra,” Fiestas Primavera has successfully replaced this unsanctioned, menacing, and eerily prescient event with a festival that promotes unity, acceptance, and collaboration.  The festival particularly focuses on the contributions of the young people.  There will be both student and professional art, music, dance, and speech featured at the event.  The cultural performances are outstanding and engaging.  In addition, there will be food from different cultures, activities for children, community information booths, and vendors selling arts and crafts from a variety of origins.

Now in its third year, Fiestas Primavera promises to raise your spirits with a vibrant celebration of the cultural contributions of all immigrants, particularly those from Mexico, Cuba, and Haiti..  It is a reminder that Benicia, like the rest of the country, is made up of a cultural blend of people, all of whom have greatly contributed to what we are today.

From the Fiesta Primavera Event Page on Facebook (English/Spanish, thanks to Solano AIDS Coalition)

The Solano AIDS Coalition, in partnership with U.N.I.D.O.S and the Benicia Performing Arts Foundation, proudly present the 3rd Annual Fiestas Primavera—a vibrant celebration honoring the social and cultural contributions of immigrants through art, music, dance, and community.

Rooted in the rich traditions of Indigenous heritage, Fiestas Primavera marks the arrival of spring with a joyful gathering that embraces diversity, unity, and cultural pride.

This year’s celebration will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Benicia City Park (Gazebo), from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Let’s celebrate together!!

La Coalición del SIDA Solano, en colaboración con U.N.I.D.O.S y la Fundación de Artes Escénicas de Benicia, se enorgullece en presentar la 3ª Fiesta Anual de Primavera, una vibrante celebración que honra las contribuciones sociales y culturales de los inmigrantes a través del arte, la música, la danza y la comunidad.

Arraigada en las ricas tradiciones del patrimonio indígena Fiestas Primavera marca la llegada de la primavera con una alegre reunión que celebra la diversidad, la unidad y el orgullo cultural.

El evento se llevará a cabo el sábado 28 de marzo de 2026, en el Parque de la Ciudad de Benicia (Gazebo), de 12:00 p.m. a 5:00 p.m.

¡Celebremos juntos!

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.