[Noozhawk’s note: One in a daily series leading up to Old Spanish Days Fiesta.]
The Spirits of Fiesta represent a special place as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta.
Each year during our beloved community festival, the Spirit of Fiesta leads in their characteristic way, individual style and upholding tradition.
Since the first Spirit was selected in 1949, there have been a total of 71 individuals who have danced on our stages, led our historical parade, and delighted countless people throughout our community with their youthful excitement, elegance and grace. All this as our Spirit of Fiesta.
The first Spirit selected was Lia Parker in 1949. And like her successor, Judy Ritchie, the first two Spirits served in this important role for three consecutive Fiestas.
Starting in 1957, the Spirit began serving for 12 months. To be chosen became an annual honor, a cherished part of Fiesta, and an announcement the community looks forward to every year with great anticipation.
Throughout the Fiesta year, the Spirit will dance scores of times, putting smiles on faces and creating a sense of admiration from the entire community.
The Spirit of Fiesta is truly an ambassador for Old Spanish Days and the traditions, culture and history that our annual festival continues to celebrate during this 10oth anniversary year.
As our Spirit of Fiesta is truly special to our community, Fiesta Pequeña is equally special to each Spirit. It’s on this opening night of Fiesta that the Spirit each year makes a grand appearance, revealed by the opening of the historic Santa Barbara Mission church doors, and performing the official dance in elegant white as thousands anxiously await this memorable Fiesta moment.
The 2024 Spirit of Fiesta is Georgey Taupin and Fiesta Pequeña will take place at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, at the mission at 2201 Laguna St.
Old Spanish Days 2024, the Centennial, runs July 31-Aug. 4. Click here for a complete calendar of Fiesta events.
¡Viva el Centenario!
