SPOKANE, Wash. – The ‘Tacos y Tequila’ Festival, a fundraiser event that celebrates Hispanic and Latino culture while supporting the community, has been postponed “in response to the current political climate,” festival organizers stated on Saturday.
Originally scheduled for August 23 and 24, the festival aimed to offer food, live music and a variety of tequilas to attendees. The event’s proceeds were set to support Nuestras Raices’ campaign to develop a Latino-based Cultural and Behavioral Health Center in Spokane.
Organizers explained that the postponement was due to “increasing anti-immigrant rhetoric,” which raised safety concerns given the festival’s non-ticketed, open format. These concerns were echoed by the event’s staff, volunteers, vendors, artists and community members.
“This decision was not made lightly, especially considering that Tacos y Tequila serves as a vital fundraiser for our community center, which provides essential services to those in need,” organizers stated. “The festival has historically represented a vibrant symbol of unity and the significant contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community.”
Efforts are underway to boost security and inclusivity for next year’s festival. Those wishing to support the festival and its community services can make donations through the Nuestras Raices website.
