Luminaria, San Antonio’s November art festival, canceled this year

Updated 12:05 pm CDT, Saturday, April 18, 2020

Luminaria, the downtown contemporary arts festival that happens each fall, is the latest event to be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Organizers said the Friday morning cancellation of the Nov. 14 event came out of “careful consideration” for everyone involved.

READ MORE: The latest news and features about coronavirus in San Antonio

The non-profit cited a projected insecurity of funding and health concerns for canceling the event seven months ahead of time.

Board Chair Eric Rodriguez said the decision was “very difficult” to make.

“However, the sad reality is that health and safety concerns will continue to exist in the community, and we expect that we will continue to experience the related social anxiety associated with convening in large gatherings,” Rodriguez said in the announcement. “The Board is committed to supporting the ongoing activities of Luminaria and artists in our community as best we can during these unprecedented times, and we look forward to the day we can celebrate the arts with our family of supporters.”

The cancellations, closures and funding losses caused by the pandemic will take time to recover from, board treasurer Jane Lewis said.

“The significant financial instability that has resulted due to the pandemic compels us to act responsibly,” Lewis said. “Luminaria is well aware of the economic recession that our country, state and city face during this time.”

Lewis said Luminaria is looking to a “brighter environment” next year.

Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | [email protected] | @maddyskye

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