Fiesta Begins with Lively Performances and Odes to the Past

Spirit of Fiesta Georgey Taupin appeared with the whirl of a white dress and a fan labeled “100” during Fiesta Pequeña, or “Little Fiesta,” Wednesday night’s big kick off for the five-day event’s 100th anniversary celebration. 

Taupin, the embodiment of joy, flowed and twirled to “La Flora Blanca” against the backdrop of the illuminated face of the historic Old Mission. Her graceful performance was one of the first and most anticipated in the lineup of lively music and incredible, colorful ballet Folklórico and Flamenco dancers. 

The event started with a feisty burst of rhythm from Grammy award winning band Mariachi Divas, a special surprise on behalf of Rhonda Henderson, a past presidente and current chair of the La Pequeña Committee. 

The Divas captured the attention of the hundreds of cascarones-cracking attendees who filled every bit of space in front of the Mission. Blankets covered the field all the way back to the rose garden, where the view suffered but joyful energy abounded. Children and adults alike played with light-up plastic swords and bubble guns, as music and life filled the air. 

Celebrating 75 years of Old Spanish Days’ young ambassadors, Los Niños de las Flores gave an adorable opening greeting, which was followed by an official welcome and prayer from hosts Father Joe Schwab, the Order of Friars Minor president, and News Channel 3 Anchor Beth Farnsworth. 

“We ask for God’s grace to fill our hearts, that we can all be brother and sister to each other, that we who have found this beautiful place to be our home, along with our Chumash people from before, people from every continent and every nation that have come to live here and call this home,” Schwab said.

A video of Ernestine Ygnacio-De Soto, a Barbareño Chumash elder, gave the Chumash blessing with delivery of the Lord’s Prayer in the Barbareño language, then the rhythmic festivities began. 

Beautiful dancers performed elaborate routines in campero suits and gorgeous flowing skirts of every color, and musicians from Mexico, Spain, and local studios performed a variety of vibrant Folklórico songs. 

Throughout the event, the 100-year-old city celebration honored its traditions and history — ending with a performance to “Bulerias” to commemorate 75 years of the Spirit of Fiesta, featuring 41 of the past Spirits dating all the way back to the 1960s. 

El Presidente Brian Schwabecher even brought his own family on the Mission steps to address the crowd. 

“This festival started 100 years ago, but it’s evolved so much,” Schwabecher said. “Nothing says Old Spanish Days Fiesta like family, heritage, history, and unity.”

Click here for Santa Barbara’s most comprehensive guide to all of the Fiesta happenings.