2024 Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta
The Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta represent the charm and beauty of the culture of Old Spanish Days.
Santa Barbara has many local dance schools that instruct students in the multi-cultural dances of Spain, Mexico, and early California. Young performers dedicate countless hours preparing for this annual event and for an honor to represent Old Spanish Days as the “Spirit of Fiesta” and the “Junior Spirit of Fiesta.” The Spirit of Fiesta leads the annual parade and embodies the vitality of Santa Barbara's annual summer festival. The Spirit of Fiesta has come to be the visual representation of Fiesta, a goodwill ambassador to local residents and visitors alike.
If your organization would like to request an appearance by the Spirit or Junior Spirit of Fiesta, please review the guidelines and submit a request form.
2024 Spirit of Fiesta Performance Request Form
2024 Spirit of Fiesta - Georgey Taupin
I enjoy singing with the worship team at my local church as well as instructing a class of little flamencas at ZDA. As an academic honors student with an unabashed love of musical theater, I enjoy exploring many other dance styles and cherish the teamwork and camaderie of any live performance. An aspiring entrepreneur who owns a small cookie business, I am able to nurture my passion of bringing joy and blessing to those around me.
2023 Junior Spirit of Fiesta - Aleenah Soriano
Aleenah Soriano, 10, is a 4th grader at Roosevelt Elementary School. Her favorite subjects in school are music and art. Both allow her to express her creative side and have fun. At the age of two she fell in love with flamenco and the rest is history. She loves cooking, baking and learning new family recipes. For fun she enjoys gaming and spending time with family and friends. Dancing at retirement homes is one of her favorite things to do because it brings people joy and happiness.
Photos by Fritz Olenberger