La Merienda

The Santa Barbara Woman’s Club gave the first La Merienda since the pandemic. Merienda translates to “snack,” but it was much more than a snack. It was a full-on Mexican dinner with tacos, guacamole, chicken, beef, and salad. Event chair Sue Ziliotto told us, “This event has been going on for 92 years.”

All the Fiesta VIPs were introduced along with the Spirits Tara Mata and Layla Gocong. Both girls began dancing flamenco at age three. The ballroom was filled with ladies and a few good men in their best Fiesta finery. 

After lunch it was show time with some of the best local dancers. One of the most precious was the three- and four-year-olds from Zermeno Academy. Then came the nine- and ten-year-olds. Some of the groups came from Ventura (Bell Arts Ballet Folklorico). There was one group from Los Angeles and Baile de California from here.

The Woman’s Club has a long history dating back to the Fortnightly Club in 1892. It was founded to advance the civic and cultural enlightenment of its members. This article appeared in the Morning Press, “A ladies social club has been organized in Santa Barbara and four large sunny rooms facing the Arlington Hotel in the upper Hawley block are to be fixed up with all elegance possible.”

Through the years the Club has moved several times, the last was when the Rockwood Inn had a fire. The next morning the president drove by and put $100 down on the property until she could consult with her members. They agreed but there was always a problem with parking even in horse and buggy days. In 1938 the adjoining property became available through one of the members and it’s still being used.

The group started La Merienda in 1928 and opened the Club to the public for the day. Memberships are available. For information call Janet Bullock at (805) 964-9547. Viva la Fiesta!