‘El Desfile de los Niños’ (Old Spanish Days’ Children’s Parade) Charms Once Again

Old Spanish Days ambassadors, Los Niños de Las Flores, took the spotlight, along with Junior Spirit of Fiesta Olivia Nelson, in Saturday’s Fiesta Children’s Parade. 

Organized by the Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department every year, El Desfile de los Niños (Children’s Parade) this charming favorite event brought out Santa Barbara’s kids and their parents, families, and friends — who work together, often for weeks, to create and decorate their own floats, carts, and wagons for the children. Only foot power is allowed: there are no motorized or battery-operated vehicles used in the parade, which can lead to some creative modes of transportation. Colorful costumes, and small animals also come along to add to the fun.  

A highlight for the kids is the ice cream at the end of the stroll. I can still remember those little cups of vanilla with the wooden spoons from when I was a flower girl many years ago.