Old Spanish Days – Fiesta

Santa Barbara, CA. July 30 - August 3, 2025


Old Spanish Days Santa Barbara - Fiesta

Old Spanish Days Unveils The 2025 Fiesta Poster & Pin

Posted May 18, 2025
Old Spanish Days Unveils The 2025 Fiesta Poster & Pin

The 2025 edition of Santa Barbara’s Fiesta poster and pin were unveiled at the Old Spanish Days La Primavera celebration at The Carriage and Western Art Museum.

The poster celebrates the spirit, color, and passion of Santa Barbara’s cherished Fiesta celebration while the pin is based on movement and tradition. Both were designed by El Presidente 2025 Fritz Olenberger who selected one of his favorite photographs of a flamenco dancer for the poster, and a Folklórico dancer mid-spin for the pin. Local artist Derek Harrison transformed the poster image into an oil-on-canvas painting.

“At the heart of the composition is a flamenco dancer clad in a striking red Bata de Cola, the long-tailed dress traditionally worn in this passionate art form,” said El Presidente Olenberger in unveiling the poster. “A graceful ‘S-curve’ flows through the image, formed by the dancer’s flying, white-fringed shawl, the elegant turn of her body, and the trailing fabric of her dress — capturing a dynamic sense of movement and vitality. This powerful visual invites viewers to feel the rhythm and emotion of the moment, conveyed through vivid color and light, even in the absence of sound.”

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2025 Fiesta Parade Grand Marshals Announced

Posted May 18, 2025
2025 Fiesta Parade Grand Marshals Announced

The Old Spanish Days Friday historic parade along Cabrillo Boulevard will include a pair of Grand Marshals that have deep roots in our community. The 1965 Spirit of Fiesta Marta Holsman Babson will be joined by her sister, Henrietta Holsman Fore, as the 2025 Fiesta Parade Grand Marshals.

“Their love of Fiesta comes through in so many ways -- not only through their generous sponsorship, but also in their attendence at parties and their participation in the Historical Parade,” said 2025 OSD El Presidente Fritz Olenberger in making the announcement. “The float they created for last year’s parade was one of the most beautiful I have seen in my 15 years with Fiesta. It was covered with roses and featured their grandfather’s antique Holsman automobile.”

The sisters grew up in Montecito and have enjoyed Fiesta for decades. In her youth, Marta Babson studied ballet and Spanish dance and was honored to be the 1965 Spirit of Fiesta. She went on to a successful banking career in Santa Barbara and later in Chicago. Henrietta Fore has been a recognized leader in business, corporate boards, the United States Government, the United Nations and nonprofit organizations.

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2025 Pre-Fiesta Events

April 12 Spirit & Jr. Spirit of Fiesta Audition
May 17 La Primavera
June 7 Fiesta Fashion Sale (Formerly known as the Costume Sale) 9am at Carriage Museum
June 19 Fiesta Ranchera
July 27 La Recepción del Presidente

2025 Fiesta Events

Wednesday, July 30
Mercado De La Guerra 11 a.m.
La Fiesta Pequeña, 8 p.m.

Thursday, July 31
La Misa del Presidente, 10 a.m.
Mercado De La Guerra, 11 a.m.
DIGS, 5 p.m.
Las Noches de Ronda, 8 p.m.

Friday, August 1
Mercado De La Guerra, 11 a.m.
El Desfile Histórico (Parade), noon
Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo, 7 p.m.
Flor y Canto, 7 p.m.
Las Noches de Ronda, 8 p.m.

Saturday, August 2
Arts & Crafts Show, 9 a.m.
Children’s Parade, 10 a.m.
Mercado De La Guerra, 11 a.m.
Tardes de Ronda, 1 p.m.
Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo, 7 p.m.
Las Noches de Ronda, 8 p.m.

Sunday, August 3
Arts & Crafts Show, 9 a.m.
Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo, 1 p.m.


A Message from the Board

As we emerge from almost three years of COVID restrictions, Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara, Inc. is committed to returning to Fiesta events as we knew them before the pandemic while putting the health and the safety of our community first.  We continue to work with the City of Santa Barbara in areas such as parade route planning and venue locations.  The schedule and nature of Fiesta events, as presented here, are to the best of our knowledge but are subject to change due to uncertainties that are beyond our control.


Please support Old Spanish Days by purchasing items from our online store or purchasing tickets to an official Fiesta fundraiser.

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Old Spanish Days seeks volunteers to assist with the many community events during Fiesta.

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