Fiesta Santa Barbara
For Santa Barbarans, Fiesta conjures all sorts of images: the nighttime performances of the Noches de Ronda at the Courthouse Sunken Gardens; El Desfile Historico, the country’s largest equestrian parade; the delicious Spanish and Mexican foods found at the mercados. Ultimately, what it is, though, is a way for the community to come together and honor the traditions of old Californio culture. While some things have changed throughout time, the essence of fiesta endures.
2013 Fiesta Spirit Auditions
Youths will strut their footwork in hopes of becoming Spirit and Junior Spirit for this year’s Old Spanish Days. Read story.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Santa Barbara Fiesta 2012
Old Spanish Days documentary by Brian Peddicord. Read story.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
El Presidente
In line with his theme of Viva la Familia, Ricardo Castellanos credits his family and friends for their support and their stories. Read story.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
El Presidente of the Past
El Presidente in 1948 and 1949, Jack Rickard turned Fiesta's light back on following the four-year blackout imposed by World War II. Read story.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Junior Spirits 2012
This year, two young women will be representing the Junior Spirit of Fiesta: Sadee Broida and Jesalyn McCollum. Read story.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
The Dance of Life
Jeanice Lugo shares a story of Fiesta, Flamenco, and her daughter’s spirit. Read story.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Fiesta Happenings
All of the activities and entertainment of Old Spanish Days. Read story.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
He’s in a Taco State of Mind
Fiesta snuck up on and hit me with a raging appetite for Mexican food. Read story.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Fiesta Horse Parade Lineup
Fiesta Horse Parade Lineup Read story.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Party Favors – Cascarones
Anyone who has been in Santa Barbara during Old Spanish Days has seen — and possibly been cracked over the head with — the colorful, confetti-filled cascarones. Read story.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Pre-Fiesta Events
Ring in the start of Old Spanish Days with the following events. Read story.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Fiesta Season Starts in Goleta
More than 800 people celebrated Fiesta Ranchera last week at Rancho La Patera and the Stow House. Read story.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Organizers Quell Fiesta Controversy
The community battle royale that combusted when dance judges hired by Old Spanish Days declared 12-year-old flamenco dancer Sadee Broida this year’s Junior Spirit — even though the rules only allow applicants between the ages of 9 and 11 — has come to an amicable conclusion. Read story.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Fiesta Spirit Tryouts
Twenty-two youths dance their hearts out for a chance at being Fiesta 2012's Spirit or Junior Spirit. Read story.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Mariachis and Country Music
Trace Adkins and Clay Walker are both playing the Ventura County Fair this summer. Read story.
Previous Month
