Carnaval De Puebla cancelled amid deportation concerns

Closeup part of ferris wheel over the blur sky — Source: Tzido / Getty

Carnaval De Puebla, Philadelphia’s premier carnival experience in South Philly, has been cancelled by its organizers in fear of the safety of its participants.

According to Telemundo 62, the event, scheduled for April 27, 2025, has been canceled among fears that the event would be targeted by agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement looking for people to deport.

David Piña, one of the event’s organizers, shared his concerns involving the

“We’re not in a comfortable situation to be able to celebrate. Things have been happening with the new government. It’s important to support each other,” said

“This event requires a significant amount of money. There are many businesses that donate a significant amount to make this carnival possible. We’re doing it with our own funds, and there aren’t any funds from other sources, and right now there are many people who are very careful with their wallets,” Piña added.

This isn’t the first time in recent years that the Carnaval De Puebla has been cancelled due to deportation concerns.

The organization cancelled the event in 2017 as well, also in fear of the Trump administration ‘taking action’.

Organizers are now trying to organize a smaller, alternative event, but they hope things improve so they can return stronger next year.