Old Spanish Days Santa Barbara - Fiesta

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.”

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.