Announcing the Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta 2020
Alena Velasco earns 2020 Spirit of Fiesta title and Alexandra Nocker earns Junior Spirit title
SANTA BARBARA, CA – June 15, 2020 – Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara is pleased to announce that Alena Velasco is the Spirit of Fiesta 2020 and Alexandra Nocker the Junior Spirit of Fiesta 2020.
The tradition of the Spirit of Fiesta started in 1949 and embodies the joy and vitality of Santa Barbara's beloved annual summer festival. The Spirits are goodwill ambassadors to local residents and visitors alike and represent the charm, grace and beauty of Old Spanish Days.
Commemorative Fiesta 2020 Poster and Pin Unveiled
Iconic scenes from Santa Barbara and dancing couple featured
During a live television appearance, El Presidente Erik Davis unveiled this year’s official Commemorative Fiesta poster and pin.
The poster and pin are both original graphic designs by local Santa Barbara artist Andrew Leonard. The poster captures iconic scenes of Santa Barbara like the Santa Barbara Mission and the waterfront and prominently features a dancing couple. The couple depicted were inspired by famous posters from Seville, Spain and are evocative of this year’s Fiesta Theme,“¡Vamos a Bailar!”, in English, “Let’s Dance!”. The pin also features the dancing couple and the Mission while drawing inspiration from past pin designs.
Fiesta to be Reimagined for 2020
Historic festival to focus on staying together, while staying apart
Putting the health and safety of the community first, the Old Spanish Days board of directors has made the decision to reimagine Fiesta for 2020 by holding many of its signature events online, on television or in ways that adhere to physical distancing practices, all while promoting and encouraging community-wide participation.
To protect audiences, dancers, musicians, volunteers and the community from the spread of COVID-19 and in response to guidance from elected and health officials, no Fiesta events will be held where large crowds could gather.
A Message from El Presidente Erik Davis
On behalf of the Old Spanish Days Board of Directors, please know that we are thinking of you and our Santa Barbara community during this time of uncertainty.
Our hearts go out to those in our region and those around the world who have been impacted financially, emotionally and physically by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Old Spanish Days Board of Directors is closely monitoring the situation with the Coronavirus and is meeting with government officials, sponsors, and collaborative partners to plan for a wide-variety of scenarios. We have rescheduled Fiesta events that were planned for April and May and we are working hard to find creative ways to honor our rich traditions.
Watch a 2 minute video message from El Presidente Erik Davis
Proclamación del Presidente
Welcome Friends, Bienvenidos Amigos
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara, it is my honor to welcome you to the 96th Fiesta celebration!
~ The rhythm of life in Santa Barbara is measured from one Fiesta to another: Families gather together, making memories, forming traditions, sharing the pride we all feel in our community.
For five enchanted days under the warm summer sun, and during the full of the August moon, Fiesta lifts our spirits and delights our senses. In a kaleidoscope of activity,
Old Spanish Days Announces Fiesta 2020 Theme
At a lively reception at the El Paseo last night, El Presidente Erik Davis announced the theme and proclamation for Fiesta 2020!
Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara announced that the official theme of this year’s Fiesta will be “¡Vamos a Bailar!”, in English, “Let’s Dance!”.
Each year, the Presidente of Fiesta chooses a theme that will set the tone for the coming year. El Presidente Erik Davis was inspired by the way dance is so deeply connected to all aspects of Fiesta.
Pre-Auditions for Old Spanish Days Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta 2020 Announced
The pre-auditions will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2020. The Pre-Audition is an “OPEN CALL” to any dancer interested in auditioning for Spirit or Junior Spirit of Fiesta 2020. Pre-Audition participants will be selected for the Audition Finals that will be held on April 18, 2020.
2020 Leadership Team Announced
El Presidente Erik Davis to lead historic organization
Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara is pleased to announce the leadership team for Fiesta 2020. The elected team includes the Executive Committee comprised of: El Presidente, Erik Davis; La Primera Vice Presidente, Stephanie Petlow; El Segundo Vice Presidente, Alex Castellanos; El Secretario, David Bolton; and La Tesorera, Maria Cabrera.
La Presidenta’s Thank You
I would like to sincerely thank all that participated in our 95th year and enjoyed Fiesta 2019. We had a wonderful year, with terrific events all summer long.
I started my year with a proclamation describing how Fiesta represents the “Spirit of Community.” As happens every year, thousands again participated in our events as volunteers, performers, equestrians and spectators. Our community came alive with volunteers working hard and celebrating with good food, songs and dance.
2019 Poster and Pin Unveiled
Old Spanish Days Announces Honorary El Presidentes & La Presidentas
Spirit of Fiesta Auditions mark the kick off of the 2019 Old Spanish Days Fiesta Season
SANTA BARBARA, CA – March 25, 2019 – The pageantry of Old Spanish Days Fiesta will be on full display April 13, 2019, at 12:00 p.m., when 21 talented young dancers step on the stage at the La Cumbre Junior High School Auditorium to perform at the Spirit and Jr. Spirit of Fiesta Live Auditions! This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Spirit of Fiesta. Don’t miss one of Santa Barbara’s best live performance events.