Pre-Fiesta Events

Ring in the start of Old Spanish Days with the following events.

SUN., JUL. 29

Recepción del Presidente

Join El Presidente Ricardo Castellanos at his recepción. Enjoy a Mexican buffet and live music, performances by the 2012 Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta. Feel free to wear your Fiesta attire. 5-10pm. DoubleTree Resort Plaza del Sol, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd. $75-$90. Call 962-8101 or email info@oldspanishdays-fiesta.org.

WED., AUG. 1

Santa Barbara Mission Tours

Come explore this beautiful landmark during special docent-led tours. Mon.-Tue.: 11am and 1:30pm; Wed.-Fri.: 11am, 1:30pm, and 3pm; Sat.: 10:30am and 1:30pm. S.B. Mission, 2201 Laguna St. Call 682-4713.

Courthouse Fiesta Tours

Take guided tours (every half hour) of the Moorish-Spanish building. Meet in the Mural Room. 10am-3pm. Santa Barbara County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St. Free. Call 962-6464.

El Mercado De la Guerra

Feast on Spanish and Mexican-American foods, shop for crafts and souvenirs, and enjoy live entertainment all day and into the evening, featuring children’s shows, Spanish and Mexican folk dancing, and music. 11am-11pm. De la Guerra Plaza (across from City Hall). Free.

El Mercado del Norte

Enjoy a selection of Spanish-Mexican foods and beverages, including icy cold beer margaritas at the Crazy Horse Cantina, as well as carnival rides for the kids and live entertainment in the evening. 11am-11pm. MacKenzie Park, State St. and Las Positas Ave. Free.

Casa Cantina

Come by the 10th-annual Mexican-style cantina featuring beer and margaritas at Casa de la Guerra. All proceeds benefit the S.B. Trust for Historic Preservation. Noon-midnight. Casa de la Guerra Courtyard, 15 E. De la Guerra St. Call 965-0093.

La Fiesta Pequeña

The “Little Fiesta” officially opens Old Spanish Days. Held on the steps of Santa Barbara’s historic Old Mission, the event features traditional songs and dance, including tunes of the Californios, flamenco, Spanish classical, and Mexican folklórico dances. Food is available for purchase from vendors. 8pm. S.B. Mission, 2201 Laguna St. Free.