Santa Barbara Celebrates its History, Heritage During “Old Spanish Days”

July 30 through August 3

Santa Barbarans have long been proud of their city’s heritage from Spanish founders and the Spanish, Mexican and North American pioneers who first settled here and built the community. The tradition of colorful music, dance, and song, together with a spirit of friendliness, hospitality and tolerance are part of this heritage which the Fiesta “Old Spanish Days In Santa Barbara” seeks to preserve and perpetuate.

This year’s celebration officially begins on Wednesday, July 30 and runs through Sunday, August 3.

In addition to special guided Courthouse Tours, the numerous mercados and entertainment at De La Guerra Plaza / San Roque / the Eastside of SB and a full schedule of traditional rodeo/stock horse shows, major events include:

Wednesday, July 30
La Fiesta Pequeña – 8:00 pm, Free
“Little Fiesta” officially opens Old Spanish Days on the steps of Santa Barbara’s historic Old Mission

Thursday, July 31
La Misa del Presidente (Mass of the President) 10:00 am, Free
Roman Catholic Mass at the Old Mission

Celebración de los Dignatorios, 5:00 – 10:00 pm, $$
Party at the SB Zoo with local dignataries.

Los Noches de Ronda (every night except Sunday), 8:00 pm, Free
Variety show of music, singing and dancing from regions of Mexico at the SB Courthouse Sunken Garden.

Friday, August 1
El Desfile Histórico (Historic Parade), 12 noon, Free
The 90th Fiesta Historical parade is one of the largest equestrian parades in the US. The parade starts at the west end of Cabrillo Boulevard, proceeds east along the beach to State Street., then up State to Sola Street.

Saturday, August 2
Kiwanis Fiesta Pancake Breakfast, 7:00 am-12 noon, $
The Kiwanis club will be hosting its annual pancake breatfast in which over 4,000 guests are served. Proceeds benefit children’s programs in the area.

El Desfile De Los Niños (Children’s Parade), 10:00 am, Free
The Chidlren’s Parade, is organized by the City Parks and Recreation Department. Children and other participants don traditional costumes and celebrate the local culture. Parade proceeds down State Street from Victoria Street to Ortega Street.

Sunday, August 3
West Coast Symphony 45th annual Fiest Concert, 3:30 pm, Free
An afternoon of music conducted by Christopher Story, VI at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens.

For more information, go to the Old Spanish Days web site