SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The COVID-19 pandemic has led organizers of the annual I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival at the Santa Barbara Mission to call it off.
The event was set for May 23-25, 2020.
It has never been cancelled in its 33-year history prior to this decision.
It is estimated that 25,000 people come to the asphalt in front of the mission to see the artists over three days.
There's also Italian music, food and a gathering that some visit more than once during the festival.
The event is a benefit for the Children's Creative Project. That's a nonprofit arts education program from the Santa Barbara County Education Office.
It benefits 50,000 students with a variety of art experiences during the school year.
“While we are all missing the loss of ‘normal,’ it is important to follow state and local recommendations regarding group gatherings and do our part to continue to slow the spread of this virus,” said CCP Executive Director Kathy Koury. “We look forward to presenting our festival again during the Memorial Day weekend in 2021.”
