Thousands of people gathered along Cabrillo Boulevard Saturday morning for the 93rd annual El Desfile de los Niños, a celebration of Santa Barbara’s youngest Old Spanish Days participants.

As the marine layer lifted, people lined the sidewalks, waved flags and blew bubbles in anticipation of the event.

The parade, which stretched from Calle Puerto Vallarta to Garden Street, featured children and their families, many in traditional Spanish attire. People shouted “¡Viva la Fiesta!”

Leading the parade was Victoria Plascencia, this year’s Junior Spirit of Fiesta, dancing gracefully with her court, followed closely by the Los Niños de las Flores, who handed out fresh blossoms to spectators.

The parade showcased performances from some of the region’s most esteemed dance studios.

Zermeño Dance Academy Director Daniela Zermeño led her dancers for the crowd.

Following closely behind, Ballet Folklórico Patria Mexicana and Ballet Folklórico Mexico Azteca dazzled with colorful swirling skirts.

Jesalyn Contreras McCollum, director of Contreras Flamenco Arts, waved to the crowd. She was joined by this year’s Spirit of Fiesta, Natalia Treviño, who shouted “¡Viva la Fiesta!” with her fellow dancers.

People blasted confetti and bubbles from toy guns. The Santa Barbara Fire Department led a mini fire truck float.

The morning’s charm came not only from the performances but also from the sense of continuity. Many families have walked in the parade for generations, proudly upholding a tradition that has grown alongside Santa Barbara itself.

As always, the parade ended with a sweet reward: free ice cream for all participants, courtesy of MarBorg Industries.

Click through the slideshow below to see even more photos from the Children’s Parade.