After a 30-year Hiatus, Noche de Gala Event Returns to Montecito

Society is happy to announce that the famed Montecito celebration of Old Spanish Days (OSD), known as the “Noche de Gala,” has been revitalized and will be held on Saturday, July 27, after its 30-year hiatus.

The event, re-imagined by OSD El Presidente 2023 David Bolton, is hosted at Casa del Herrero, with tickets on sale now. This year will mark the history books for OSD with its Centennial Celebration, and now the return of Noche de Gala to Montecito.

The re-imagined Noche de Gala is a celebration of Spanish culture, architecture, music, art, dancing, food, and cocktails. It features traditional dance performances to live music by the 2024 Spirit of Fiesta Georgey Taupin and the Junior Spirit of Fiesta Aleenah Soriano. Taupin will perform a cantinas style of flamenco, said to be an explosion of joy and power with grace and fluidity.

On view during the event will be a fashion exhibition of historic costumes worn for OSD from the archives of the Santa Barbara Historical Museum (SBHM). A highlight of the exhibition is the original 1930s Fiesta attire worn by the owners of Casa del Herrero, George and Carrie Steedman, symbolizing their enduring support for this beloved event. As Casa del Herrero is a National Landmark, its house established from Spanish imported antiquities, docent-led mini-tours for guests are available.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to SBHM Executive Director Dacia Harwood for her invaluable contributions to making this collaboration a reality, said Casa del Herrero Executive Director Rosie Rafferty during our interview. “We look forward to celebrating culture, tradition, and community with you at this special event just before the start of Old Spanish Days Fiesta in Santa Barbara!”

Noche de Gala was held at the Coral Casino Biltmore from 1960 through 1994 before closing out due to lack of members to carry it on and the ownership transitions of the club. However, the memories of the event have been kept alive to this day in the hearts of those whose grandparents and parents attended it. Which is to say precisely how the July 27th event came to be. 

In my interview with the event committee – Bolton, Board of Trustees President for Casa del Herrero Heather Biles,and 2024 El Presidente Brian Schwabecher – Bolton shared, “For years I had thought it would be great idea to recreate Noche de Gala and bring Fiesta back to Montecito. Growing up at the Coral Casino and in Montecito, I remember those early Noches and how they were the events of the year. Fellow Fiesta Past Presidente Herb Barthels often shared the history and makings of Noche de Gala with me, which generated a dream to recreate this popular event. The opportunity arose during 2023 when I was honored to serve as Fiesta El Presidente, and Casa del Herrero reached out to brainstorm a possible Fiesta event. I suggested collaborating to bring back Noche de Gala to Montecito, explaining the importance and popularity of the event, and soon the concept was moving forward.”

“The Casa’s Spanish-influenced architecture and garden design provide the perfect backdrop to kick off the 2024 Fiesta season and bring Santa Barbara’s heritage to life,” Biles added. “We are delighted to host Noche de Gala at Casa del Herrero. Partnering with Old Spanish Days to revive this historically popular event allows us to share Casa del Herrero with a broader audience while celebrating the rich history of Fiesta Week in Santa Barbara.” 

With respect to both organizations, and Montecito, Schwabecher brought it together saying, “Our Fiesta’s connection to all of southern Santa Barbara County goes back decades. Montecito has been a community that has helped celebrate with one of the largest historical parties: Noche de Gala. Being our 100th anniversary, it’s great to see our community bring back a tradition and historical celebration which highlight our shared history, geography, and heritage. We are thrilled to bring a co-sponsored Fiesta celebration back to Montecito during our centennial anniversary.”

411: www.casadelherrero.com/event-calendar/noche-de-gala-2024f