Fiesta Is Back in Santa Barbara with Carnival and Cultural Delights
Old Spanish Days' 99th Anniversary Celebrates Local History
A total of 70 floats, 500 horses, an all-women mariachi group from Guadalajara, and many more will descend upon Santa Barbara for the 99th anniversary of Old Spanish Days Fiesta from August 2-6.
To kick off Fiesta, the Old Mission will be graced with flamenco, folklórico, and many other dances for the annual Fiesta Pequeña on Wednesday evening. Earlier that day, you can shop the Mexican market for food and gifts while enjoying live music at El Mercado de la Guerra. It will be open Wednesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
A new mercado will also be added to the lineup this year, with El Mercado de la Playa right next to SBCC’s La Playa Stadium. Here, Fiesta planners hope to attract families with their classic carnival rides from Thursday through Sunday.
