Santa Barbara Celebrates Old Spanish Days

Santa Barbara’s lively “Old Spanish Days Fiesta“ is the outcome of an 85-year-old tradition that was established by the city’s founding families and business leaders. The festive five-day festival (August 5-9) includes a historical parade, a rodeo with riding and roping competitions, and music and dance from the California Rancho era with its Spanish and Mexican influences.

On the event calendar are numerous concerts including a U2 tribute band (hmm…I never thought of U2′s music as “Old Spanish” but, oh well), family friendly Latin Night with sounds from Sinaloa and Banda, acts by the Santa Barbara Academy of Rock, folkloric groups, a country-western night, mariachi performers, and one evening that is devoted to local talent. The Fiesta Finale on August 8th is a mixture of ska and reggae tunes with some Beatles songs tossed in for good measure (another “hmm” moment!). Prices for concerts vary, and some are free to the public.

Photo credit: A. Arthur Fisher

Homemade Mexican fare, games, costumed performers, and other frivolity will be spread around local churches, government buildings, and in gardens and plazas. The fiesta parade takes place on August 7th at noon on a route that stretches between downtown’s State Street and the Pacific Ocean.