Old Spanish Days Fiesta is thrilled to announce the release of the 2023 Fiesta poster. After months of creative planning, the historic tradition of releasing an annual commemorative poster continued as this year’s El Presidente, David Bolton, unveiled the 2023 Fiesta poster today.
The 2023 poster features a beautiful dancing couple at the foot of Stearns Wharf with Santa Barbara’s iconic waterfront in the background. The scene combines the vibrant colors of Fiesta with the stunning coastal view that is enjoyed by countless locals and visitors alike.
Since 1924, the annual Fiesta poster has been a symbol of that year’s annual community celebration. It is the culmination of a vision and style spearheaded by the year’s head of the now 99-year-old organization. “Figuring out a way to combine dance, energy and our city’s beauty became the goal in creating this year’s Fiesta poster,” said 2023 El Presidente David Bolton. “It was nearly a year-long effort, but well worth it. I wanted to keep things simple and not too busy, and also feature an original design for the poster. In the end, we were able to combine an energetic dancing couple with our beautiful beachfront.”
The poster is an original design that highlights Cabrillo Boulevard which will once again be the main parade route for the highly anticipated Desfile Historico (Historical Parade). In addition, the new “Mercado de la Playa” will also be held on Cabrillo Boulevard in the parking lot of Santa Barbara City College’s La Playa Stadium.
“The poster represents our strong bond and connection with the incredible city of Santa Barbara” added Bolton. “You can’t have Fiesta without Santa Barbara and in many ways, you can’t have Santa Barbara without Fiesta.”
El Presidente Bolton developed the elements and vision for the poster and then worked via phone and zoom meetings with a pair of leading graphic designers from the Netherlands who he was introduced to by the Consul General of Tourism for Spain. Fittingly, the lead designer of the poster is originally from Southern Spain’s Andalusia region where so much of the culture we celebrate during Fiesta has its roots.
The 2023 poster is available for purchase for $20 on the Fiesta website at www.sbfiesta.org/shop. Ten limited edition 2023 posters, printed on metal, will be part of a live auction during the La Primavera fundraiser at the historic Casa De La Guerra and El Paseo restaurant on May 13, 2023.
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