Annual Holiday Tradition in Salinas Canceled Due to Lack of Support

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) — This year’s Salinas Holiday Parade of Lights parade was canceled two weeks prior to the event, but the committee is planning the same event for 2025. The parade was called off on social media. It came as a shock to many, including city workers.

In a Facebook post, the organization said they “made a difficult decision and voted to cancel this year’s parade due to a lack of support. The parade comes together with a lot of moving parts and it just didn’t happen in time .”

That announcement surprised not only residents, but also those involved in the city.

“The city also learned of the cancellation by the organizers via social media this morning. And obviously that event is meaningful and a huge community event for the city of Salinas,” said Salinas Mayor Kimbley Craig.

Still, there may be hope that the parade will once again glitter down Main Street.

“I was disappointed, however, that as I understand it, there are people trying to see if the show can still go on,” said new Salina Mayor Dennis Donohue.

The city of Salinas is meeting with organizers to save the parade, even though time is not on their side.

“There are a lot of pieces that have to come together. You need someone who can be there all day to manage all the traffic and all the people. You need special permits to close roads that connect to the main street. And so you have to go. For that you need money. Money plays a big role,” says company owner Frank Sorvino.

Sorvino was the parade organizer for 12 years before turning it over to Esteban Garcia.

He had talked to Garcia about how a major sponsor of the event might have been the cause of the cancellation.

“Apparently at the last minute they wanted to change the name and change the way it happened and all these things. And it almost turned into a kind of secular issue,” Sorvino said. “And I think once the parties involved got together and decided that they weren’t going to change the name and do all these things, the group that took over was pulled out.”

With the fate of the parade hanging in the balance, its symbolism goes beyond mere celebration.

“I think it’s an opportunity for people of all ages to come and celebrate Salinas, right? A light parade marks the holidays, but also really celebrates us as a community. And it would be a shame if that goes away,” said Mayor Craig.

“They need some time to see what they can do. And so let’s, let’s all, see if we can get a miracle on Main Street,” said Mayor-elect Donohue.

As for current sponsors, they can get a full refund or carry that money over to the 2025 parade.