Tag archives: Fiesta
The Casa de la Guerra Adobe came to life the other Sunday when the Reina del Mar Parlor No. 126 Native daughters of the Golden West gave their annual Pre-Fiesta Tea. Master of Ceremonies Thea Palencia told us, “The Tea had been a part of every Old Spanish Days celebration since the 1920s except for […]
It was a double celebration when Santa Barbara Historical Museum celebrated First Thursday with its new signature exhibition Project Fiesta: History of Old Spanish Days. The latest installation celebrates the pageantry, fashion, and traditions of our Eden by the Beach’s most cherished cultural festival event, which marks its centenary in two years’ time. Highlights of […]
It is a warm summer afternoon in 1950, and you are resting in the shadow of the Courthouse Clock Tower. Your gaze lights upon two well-dressed young ladies as they follow a docent into the cool entry of the Grand Archway. Intrigued by the history lesson unfolding, you mount the staircase and join the group […]
The upcoming Fiesta celebrations will officially come to a close with the lively Fiesta Finale festivities, held at the historic El Paseo Restaurant. The event also acts as a fundraiser for the John E. Profant Foundation for the Arts. Profant himself was an active member in Fiesta celebrations and Santa Barbara’s artistic community as a […]
On Saturday May 21, 2022, Fiesta La Presidente Maria Cabrera unveiled this year’s Old Spanish Days poster and pin. The pin is a 3D silver fan that serves as a common symbol during Fiesta performances and in the crowds to fight off heat. The poster features an archived watercolor by Arthur Beaumont with printing by […]
Old Spanish Days (OSD) is in its 98th year, and this year after the pandemic OSD is back in all its glory – flamenco, flowers, mercados, horses, and a parade with a new route. It will run the length of Cabrillo Boulevard from the traditional parade start at Castillo Street to the Hilton Hotel. Participants […]
My congratulations to my friend and Journal colleague Lynn Kirst who has achieved sainthood! Our illustrious organ’s bridle correspondent has been selected to portray Saint Barbara in this year’s Old Spanish Days fiesta by the 121-year-old Reina Del Mar No.126 of Native Daughters of the Golden West. In a tradition that dates back to 1926, […]
Spain’s Ministry of Culture department paid a visit to Santa Barbara recently headed up by the Counsel General of Spain Juan Carlos Sanchez Alonso. They were here by the Mission steps along with our Fiesta Spirit Ysabella Yturralde and a tapas truck with loads of Spanish ham. Spirit Ysabella just returned from Jerez, Spain. The […]
Plans are being laid out for Old Spanish Days to have a full and safe Fiesta in 2022. La Presidenta Maria Cabrera will lead the organization into its 98th year. She has been a community volunteer for many years. “As we come out of restrictions and a new changing community, we look forward to meeting […]
While Fiesta Pequeña at the Mission and Noches de Ronda at the Courthouse Sunken Gardens were cancelled after the significant uptick in coronavirus infections, La Recepcion del Presidente at the Carriage & Western Museum with 200 guests went ahead as planned, raising nearly $50,000 for Old Spanish Days. Drew Wakefield served as emcee and auctioneer, […]
Fiesta fever was palpable at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum when Tablao Museo, an energized flamenco show for 230 guests, took place under the stars. The pulsating event on a sultry summer night was organized by museum director Dacia Harwood and featured musicians and dancers from our Eden by the Beach to Spain who shared […]
After 61 years, Gil Rosas will return to the El Paseo Restaurant on August 8 to recreate a photo made in 1960, helping the Profant Foundation host the Fiesta Finale Gala that has created hundreds of scholarships for artists of all ages over the past 21 years. The gala, organized by Musette Profant, includes […]
Fiesta Ranchera in Goleta is back in a smaller way. Instead of 1,000 attendees, there were not more than 100, but that didn’t stop the celebrants. They were just happy to see friends and neighbors without masks — some for the first time in a year. Stow House was the background for the fête, and […]
“Welcome home!” exclaimed Lobero Associates President Mindy Denson as the group gathered for the first time since the pandemic. We were sitting under the new sail ceiling in the courtyard — a gift from the Associates to the Lobero Theatre. The sun and shade danced above us while a nice breeze flowed throughout. It’s a […]
To the Mayor, City Council Members: 4th of July my family and I took a walk down upper State Street in Santa Barbara. As we walked, we had concerns about the planning by the city to provide a safe sidewalk. We also wondered if there would ever be another parade down State Street. The heritage of […]
“La Primavera” means springtime and came from the annual season when hides and tallow trade ships arrived to do business in Santa Barbara — a big industry for many decades. The rancheros would join together for the cattle round-up and get together for a meal and a party with dancing and entertainment during those old […]
After Old Spanish Days was all but cancelled last year because of the pandemic, Fiesta fever was palpable at the Carriage and Western Art Museum with La Primavera, as the unveiling of the colorful festival’s new poster and pin helped kicked off the festivities in front of nearly 100 guests, led by gloriously attired La […]
Montecito Bank & Trust’s main State Street branch suffered major social gridlock when it hosted its third annual Fiesta party for more than 300 traditionally garbed guests. Quaffing magnificent margaritas and noshing on traditional fare from Los Arroyos, partygoers were entertained by Chris Fossek playing classical guitar, with flamenco dancing from Junior Spirit of Fiesta […]
Yes, it’s time to think about that 97 year-old-fun fest, Old Spanish Days (OSD). To start the Fiesta year off La Presidenta 2021 was just announced, Stephanie Petlow. She has lived here for many years and served on the OSD board for 20 years. Her leadership team is primer Alex Castellanos, vice presidente; David Bolton, […]
This week, both sides of State Street would typically be lined with crowds watching men and women wearing traditional Mexican costumes parading on horseback or dancing in formation from one end of town to the other. But thanks to COVID-19, the annual Old Spanish Days Fiesta has been called off for the first time since […]
