Our media partner Hawaii News Now reported Thursday that the Merrie Monarch Festival, “the biggest stage for hula in the world,” will be canceled this year because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The 57th annual festival was to run from April 12 to 18.

“This was such a hard decision to make,” said Merrie Monarch Festivals President Luana Kawelu, in a news release.

“But we could not risk the health and well-being of our community, halau participants, vendors and the thousands of people who attend Merrie Monarch every year.”

Participating kumu hula and judges were notified of the cancellation earlier Thursday, according to HNN.