Spring has arrived, and with it sunshine and good weather accompanied by street fairs that will flood the Mission District during the coming months.
While we all want to celebrate and enjoy these celebrations in public spaces, we should put them in the context of demographic change in our neighborhood.
Carnaval almost disappeared this year, due to its organizers’ mismanagement along with opposition from newcomers to the neighborhood.
It was saved by the combined efforts of several organizations with deep roots in the neighborhood. it will probably have less pomp, which could serve to return to its roots and regain its community essence.
Just as Carnaval, the Cesar Chavez Festival mantains its community character, although it was not until about three years ago that the festival came to the neighborhood.
The SF Street Food Festival also attracts thousands of people, arriving from all over the Bay Area.
However, for some this festival creates a different atmosphere. Alfonso Texidor, a longtime Mission resident, said “I go and will not see any familiar faces.”
On the other hand, the city has spent several years promoting “Sunday Streets,” modeled after the ‘Ciclovía’ in Bogotá, Colombia. The concept is to enable the streets for recreation either by using bikes, skateboards, or walking.
To keep the community spirit of all these festivals, our collaboration is important. ¡Sí se puede!
To participate in the Cesar Chavez Festival as volunteer, send an email to cesarchavezday@gmail.com. For Carnival, write to: volunteer.csf2013@gmail.com
Translation Chris Alias