Steffi Roche
40 events in 22 cross-border locations in North America celebrated the first 'Day of International Friendship' Saturday
SAN DIEGO — Forty events across 22 cross-border locations along the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders marked the first Day of International Friendship on Saturday. The peaceful demonstrations, organized by Friends Across Borders, aimed to promote unity and positive relationships with America’s neighbors to the north and south.
In San Diego, the gathering at Balboa Park brought together speakers, faith leaders, immigrant advocates, and community members in a show of solidarity.
One of the most powerful symbols of the event was a bridge of yellow flowers and roses.
“What this bridge represents: one side is the U.S. while the other side is Mexico. And we’re trying to get the message across that regardless of what’s going on in our country right now with the Trump administration, we still welcome Mexico. We welcome them with open arms. These roses symbolize friendship and peace,” said co-organizer Blanca Estela Salas.
In the San Diego–Tijuana region, the day also coincided with the 54th anniversary of Friendship Park, located within Border Field State Park.
Friendship Park remains closed on the U.S. side due to border wall construction and staffing shortages.
“There’s an all-day festival on the Mexico side of the park at Playas de Tijuana,” said John Fanestil, executive director of Friends of Friendship Park, which advocates for reopening the U.S. side. “The Mexico side is wide open. It’s a beautiful public square. Thousands of people will be down there… it will be a huge celebration. Someday, we hope to be able to join the party.”
Across North America, organizers emphasized that the events were also a response to Trump administration border and immigration policies.
CBS 8 reached out to President Donald Trump's press office Saturday and will update this story to reflect his statement.