San Antonio's Fiesta is being delayed over the coronavirus.
The Fiesta Commission announced this morning the event will be postponed until November.
“Over the past month, we have evaluated the concerns of health professionals, the impact on our hospitality industry, and the desire to continue San Antonio’s tradition of Fiesta,” Jeanie Travis, Fiesta San Antonio Commission president, said in a statement. “We want to inform all of you that we are listening to your concerns and wishes. Throughout all of our discussions and decisions, our primary goal is to have a safe Fiesta that poses no risks to our attendees and volunteers. We have concluded that the tradition of Fiesta must continue, but on different dates.”
Amy Shaw, Fiesta Executive Director, said the decision was made a few hours before the 10:30 a.m., announcement. The November date means there will be a five month grace period in between this years events and 2021.
"The party will go on," Mayor Ron Nirenberg said. "I'm truly happy that the cities part with a purpose will go on and will happen this fall."
One event that won't go on is the annual Fiesta Oyster Bake.
Officials announced they would not be able to take part in Fiesta in November.
For more than 100 years, Fiesta Oyster Bake has drawn crowds to the springtime celebration. The event on the St. Mary’s University campus regularly draws 60,000 to 70,000 attendees. It is the largest fundraiser for the St. Mary’s University Alumni Association, generally netting several hundred thousand dollars for scholarships and University and alumni programs each year.
“The St. Mary’s University Alumni Association strives all year long, and especially through Fiesta Oyster Bake, to support the students and programs that define a St. Mary’s education,” said Michael J. Martinez, who is chair of Fiesta Oyster Bake and a University trustee. “Although our decision to cancel our 2020 event may disappoint alumni, friends and fans, our commitment to Fiesta Oyster Bake remains strong. We look forward to welcoming our community back in April 2021.”
Steve Rosenauer, executive director of Fiesta Oyster Bake, said staff are working with the bands, suppliers and vendors, including ticket vendors regarding refunds, to discuss options moving forward.
The St. Mary's University Alumni Association says the event will return in 2021.