Holi Festival On The Beach Canceled In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — Event organizers announced Thursday that the Holi Festival on the Beach in Santa Monica is canceled due to concerns over the new coronavirus.

The event was scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday at the Santa Monica Pier.

"In the interest of guests' and volunteers' health and safety, we have made a very tough decision to cancel our 13th annual flagship fundraiser — Holi on the Beach 2020," the organizers wrote.

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All ticket proceeds help Association for India's Development LA-OC , but if you purchased a ticket you are entitled to a refund, the group said.

"Again, we are grateful for the community we have built and for everyone’s generous support," the statement said. "We hope to see you at future events and maybe Holi later this year, stay tuned!"

Holi color festivals are an Indian tradition to welcome the onset of spring.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC's recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Throughout the Golden State, meanwhile, a growing list of events are being dropped as organizers heed health advisories regarding the possible spread of COVID-19 at crowded gatherings. Among recent cancellations: SF St. Patrick's Day Parade & Fest: San Francisco; Hermosa Beach's Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and St. Patrick's Day Festival, Parade: Dublin.

The San Diego St. Patrick's Day and Irish Festival, as of Thursday morning, was planned to proceed on Saturday.

For more information, visit Association for India’s Development LA-OC website.