Noches de Ronda (Oscar Flores, FOX 11)
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (FOX 11) - About 95 miles north of Los Angeles, you're invited to one of the most dazzling parties in Southern California.
Old Spanish Days Fiesta kicked off in Santa Barbara on Wednesday with the opening of the "mercados," offering visitors delicious Mexican food, pastries, and live entertainment, and "Fiesta Pequena" in the evening mesmerizing spectators with traditional songs and dance from Spain, Mexico and early California.
Now in its 95th year, Old Spanish Days Fiesta celebrates a period of romance and hospitality with pageantry, dance, music, costume and cuisine.
The colorful event is run by a volunteer Board of Directors who elect a "Presidente" every year to head the organization and festivities. The Board is supported by one full-time staff member.
This year's theme, "Spirit of Community," was inspired by the way the Santa Barbara community comes together to appreciate the shared history and culture of the town, and participate in the annual tradition.
The spirit of Fiesta is embodied by two young individuals each year. This year, Santa Barbara High School student Sophia Cordero and Foothill Elementary student Paloma Valenzuela were selected as the Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta respectively. Both won the coveted titles after competing among several other dancers.
Visitors are treated to several events and live entertainment at different locations in the city including professional bull riding at the Earl Warren Showgrounds, dancing at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and the crack of "cascarones" filled with confetti over people's heads as they show off a smile signaling a good time.
And to think, all this fun is only a drive away.
Fiesta will run through August 4, 2019.
For more information and a list of events, visit https://oldspanishdays-fiesta.org.