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Organizer says Aurora officials and police blocked downtown Day of the Dead events in 2023 and 2024
Summary
An event organizer told the City Council he was repeatedly prevented from holding a Dia de los Muertos celebration in downtown Aurora and on the East Side, that property owners were advised not to host his event, and that he ultimately had to consult an attorney to get city confirmation he did not need a permit for private property.
George Gutierrez, who said he represents Chicano Times and organizes annual Day of the Dead events, told the Committee of the Whole that Aurora staff and Aurora Police Department repeatedly prevented or shut down his events in 2023 and 2024.
Gutierrez said the city contacted downtown businesses and told them not to allow his events, and that APD later went to an East Side location and shut an event down. For a November 2024 event scheduled downtown, he said property owners later told him they could not host the event after the city raised permitting concerns. Gutierrez said he obtained an attorney who contacted the city attorney and was told the event could proceed because the organizer had demonstrated a permit was not required for private property.
Why it matters: Gutierrez said his gatherings include vendors, entertainment and lowrider car shows and that the events bring business and cultural value to Aurora. He told the council he has repeatedly raised the issue with city staff, that he attempted to meet with Mayor Richard Irvin and was referred to a deputy mayor, and that he has not gotten a resolution from staff.
Details from the comment: Gutierrez said he organizes the annual event and has run it for four or five years. He said his events have historically been peaceful and that three other Day of the Dead events occurred in Aurora the same year his was disrupted. He said the November 2024 disruption forced a venue change less than a week before the event and created financial and logistical hardship for vendors and performers.
Council process: Before public comment the mayor read the council’s public-comment rules, which include a general statement that “Staff is directed to follow-up with members of the public with respect to any concerns raised during public comment within the scope of the city's authority following the adjournment of this meeting.” Gutierrez told the council he intends to return to speak again next week.
Ending: Gutierrez asked for city follow-up on why his events were blocked and for clearer guidance about when a private-event permit is required.
