Minnesota Somalis Celebrate Community After Tough Winter

After a winter that left many Somali families afraid to leave their homes, Minnesota's Somali community is stepping into summer with joy and celebration.

Thousands will gather across the state starting this weekend for Somali Independence Day festivals in Minneapolis, Plymouth, St. Cloud, and Owatonna. The celebrations mark both Somalia's independence and the community's deep roots in Minnesota.

"People want to be outside in summer," said Deeq Abdi, who organized the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood gathering for Mixed Blood Theatre. "It was a really hard winter and the Somali community itself has been targeted, so we want to celebrate our independence day but also celebrate being part of the American fabric."

The winter he refers to saw federal immigration operations shut down businesses in Minneapolis neighborhoods like Cedar-Riverside. Many families stayed home out of fear during Operation Metro Surge, which heavily targeted the area in December and January.

Now, the community is reclaiming public space with festivals that welcome everyone. The largest celebration takes place July 3rd on Lake Street in Minneapolis, featuring live music, carnival games, and a sambusa-eating contest.

Daud Mohamed, executive director of People in Action, is organizing the Lake Street event. "We're not just guests in this country but we're builders," he said.

Cultural organization Hiddo Soor is bringing festivals to Plymouth, St. Cloud, and Owatonna throughout July and August. Each event features Somali artists, traditional displays, and activities designed to connect Somali Minnesotans with their neighbors.

The Ripple Effect

Mohamed Wardere, Hiddo Soor's interim executive director, sees these celebrations as bridges between cultures. This year, that work feels especially meaningful.

"We came, we belong and we will stay forever," Wardere said. "Every community in America has a right to exercise and express their culture and in order to be alive for generation to generation."

The festivals are free and open to everyone. The Mixed Blood celebration kicks off June 27th at Currie Park with the band Ardaa, followed by the Lake Street festival July 3rd, Plymouth's event July 18th, and St. Cloud's gathering August 1st.

Each celebration offers something different, from traditional Somali houses to food trucks to live performances, but they all share one message: this community is here to stay, and they're inviting everyone to celebrate with them.