Every May for the last 18 years, the capital city of neighboring Sonora, Mexico, has celebrated the anniversary of its founding with a cultural festival. In the face of the coronavirus pandemic this year, the festivities have moved online.
More than 100 musicians, performers and historians are participating in this year’s 14-day virtual Fiestas del Pitic in Hermosillo celebrating the 320th anniversary of the city’s founding on May 18, 1700.
"This time, we're celebrating from home," said Diana Reyes Gonzalez, director of Hermosillo’s Art and Culture Institute.
She said the celebration was already months in the making when the coronavirus hit. So organizers and artists decided rather than cancel, they’d find a way for Hermosillo residents to enjoy the festivities while safely at home.
The festival includes daily talks and workshops on Facebook. And will wrap with four nights of live, virtual concerts performed by local musicians next Thursday through Sunday, May 28-31.
