Santa Barbara's Old Spanish Days Fiesta will not take place as usual this year.
Instead, organizers say many of the events that make up the celebration will be held online, on television, or in other ways that allow for social distancing.
"With so much still unknown, it's too big of a risk to hold a large-scale event like Fiesta that will attract thousands of people," said El Presiente Erik Davis. "During these unprecedented times we believe it's the right thing to do so that people can adjust their plans and we can move forward and do what we can to make the best of the situation."
Fiesta is scheduled to take place August 5-9.
Organizers say La Fiesta Pequeña, which is usually held on the steps of the Santa Barbara Mission, will be a prime-time televised event airing on August 5, with highlights from past La Fiesta Pequeña events.
They're also working on a way to pay tribute to healthcare workers with a reimagined parade, and they plan to feature local bands in a virtual summer concert series called "Fiesta Music & Dance Fridays."
Additional virtual events including interviews and replays of past events are also being planned.
The commemorative Fiesta 2020 poster and pin were unveiled Thursday and are available for purchase on the Old Spanish Days website.
