Coronavirus causes Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to postpone Hunky Jesus competition

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence stand before the crowd at the annual Easter Sunday "Hunky Jesus" competition in 2018. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence stand before the crowd at the annual Easter Sunday "Hunky Jesus" competition in 2018. Photo: Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence, Inc. Via Facebook Photo: Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence, Inc. Via Facebook Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Coronavirus causes Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to postpone Hunky Jesus competition 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

For more coverage, visit our complete coronavirus section here.

Update, Mar. 24: Hunky Jesus is going online. An Instagram contest will be held in lieu of the annual performance in Dolores Park, the Sisters announced Monday. The top 30 contestants vying to become the Hunkiest Jesus or the Foxiest Mary will be posted to the Sisters' Instagram account on Easter Sunday, where the public can vote by liking their favorite photo. More information here.

---

Just hours before San Francisco Mayor London Breed issued a citywide ban on all events with 1,000 attendees or more, Hunky Jesus hopefuls were sadly setting aside their loin cloths and crowns of thorns.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are postponing their 41st annual Easter celebration in Dolores Park as a result of the current threat of coronavirus.

"We're terribly sad and this was a very difficult decision to make, but we're sure that this event will be even more special once it happens," the Sisters announced Tuesday night, adding, "Don't throw your costumes away, Hunky Jesus is only postponed!"

The annual event is probably best known for the competition — a flashy pageant of local Jesus-like Doppelgangers that culminates in plenty of twerking, a few cheddar-clad "Cheese-eses," as well as a cash prize for the winner, chosen by the Sisters. But the charitable band of queer nun activists also host a children's egg hunt complete with free dental screening exams, an elaborate Easter bonnet contest and a series of blasphemous performances. The entire ordeal typically gathers thousands of spectators and participants.

"Easter is officially canceled, in other words," wrote one dismayed resident, after which another reminded her, "Just postponed. Hunky Jesus will rise again!"

A new date has not yet been established for the event, though it looks like they're still planning on holding it at Dolores Park: "We appreciate your understanding in this matter and wish everyone to be safe, healthy and full of joy!"

This is a breaking story. Further information will be added as it becomes available.

Sign up for 'The Daily' newsletter for the latest on coronavirus here.

MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE:



Amanda Bartlett is an SFGATE associate digital reporter. Email: amanda.bartlett@sfgate.com | Twitter: @byabartlett