Radio Sabor Latino celebrates Latino culture amid immigration concerns
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Radio Sabor Latino is canceling its annual Festival of Independence celebration in South Bend for the second year in a row, citing concerns about immigration enforcement and safety within the local Latino community.
Félix Márquez, president of the Radio Sabor Latino Board of Directors, said organizers heard from community members who no longer feel comfortable attending a large public gathering.
“We had two meetings, two-hour long each meeting, deciding the pros and the cons of canceling the event,” Márquez said.
The festival has traditionally brought the local Latino community together with dancing, live music and traditional foods. It also serves as Radio Sabor Latino’s largest fundraiser of the year and helps fund scholarships for local students.
Márquez said concerns about immigration enforcement are greater this year as more people in the community have experienced its effects firsthand.
“We met with people who have been affected, whose mother, father, daughter have been arrested in South Bend,” Márquez said. “So people are more aware, and now they know it’s hitting home.”
Despite the cancellation, Radio Sabor Latino plans to continue celebrating the community virtually.
Organizers will play traditional music and hold a virtual crowning ceremony for the festival’s king and queen. The celebration will be streamed on Facebook Live, allowing community members to participate remotely.
While the festival’s cancellation means the organization is losing its biggest fundraiser, Márquez said Radio Sabor Latino is still committed to providing scholarships.
Several organizations have donated money to help support the scholarship program, Márquez said. The organization also launched a $1,000 raffle to raise additional funds.
For Márquez, the scholarship program has a personal connection.
“I came here when I was 16, I fled the war. I went to high school; I went to college. I was a recipient of some scholarships from the radio, so then I became involved because I believe in the mission,” Márquez said.
Radio Sabor Latino has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships over the years.
Márquez said he hopes next year's celebration can return in person.
“I hope that we are celebrating,” Márquez said. “If you’re not happy with the way things are right now at the moment, there’s hope. Things will change, but we have to let people know how we feel.”
Radio Sabor Latino continues to accept donations to support its scholarship program, which you can learn more about here: