Dia de la Familia has launched in Carmel to honor Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s in stark contrast to the cancelled La Fiesta Indianapolis. The in-person festival that’s been held for more than 40 years was cancelled due to security reasons related to immigration policies and potential ICE raids.

Claudia Escalante, an organizer for Dia de La Familia, said her community can’t hide in fear. Hundreds of residents attended to sing, dance, and eat in Midtown Plaza. There were food vendors, art installations, Zumba, a conga line, and murals.

“The best feature of Indiana are the people,” Escalante said. “There’s no beach here. There’s no Wall Street. There’s the Indy 500 and sports, but the greatest feature are the people are the Hoosiers.”

Escalante said Hoosiers also include the Latino and Hispanic community. She is a Columbian immigrant who came to Indiana more than 20 years ago.

Escalante said ICE wasn’t one of the security concerns. She said Carmel police are on standby for safety, and the people who spoke to News 8 said they felt safe attending.

Pablo Solano is a Carmel Resident and is originally from the Dominican Republic. He and his wife were enjoying warm arepas.

“This event here sends a message that we can have an event safely and we can enjoy ourselves,” Solano said.

Escalante said when it comes to security concerns, ICE wasn’t one of them.

Escalante said the event is an opportunity for local Latino entrepreneurs to get exposure, like baker Dioselim Garcia, who sold out her cookies.

“We are not in the shadows. We are seen as Latino People,” said Dioselim Garcia, founder of Waldis Artisan Bakery.

Escalante said the event is not just about celebrating Latino and Hispanic heritage, but also about sharing it with others. Escalante moved to Indiana more than 20 years ago. She is a Colombian immigrant who embraces her Carmel Community.

“We only ask for an opportunity,” Escalante said. “We’re here because we love this country and we want to make it better. So, give us an opportunity. We love you. We’re here. We’re part of your community, and it’s only going to get better.”

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