Long before the dancers took the floor at El Paseo Restaurant for the annual Fiesta Finale, the spirit of Old Spanish Days was brought to life by the late Erin Graffy de Garcia.
A local historian, journalist and beloved community figure whose impact has been celebrated following her death in early 2025, Graffy was, as her family and friends often recall, the true “Wonder Woman” of Fiesta.
This event was made possible by the Profant family — including sisters Michèle, Marie, Musette and Mignonne — who founded the event’s host organization, The Profant Foundation for the Arts.
Under the open courtyard roof of El Paseo Restaurant, dancers, opera singers and musicians poured their hearts and souls into performances that felt like pure magic.
The gathering marked the second year of a blossoming partnership between Graffy’s family and the Profant sisters, who originally established their foundation more than two decades ago.
Reflecting on the seamless union between the two families, Colleen Graffy explained why partnering with the Profant Foundation felt like the most natural way to honor Erin’s memory.
“The idea of dealing with the loss of my sister and contemplating starting a charitable foundation from scratch was just too much,” Colleen said.
“The Profant Foundation was already set up, and showcasing the arts, music, research, and Fiesta was everything that Erin loved. It was a perfect match.”
Throughout the evening, that shared vision translated into a thrilling live spectacle on stage.
In the center of the brightly lit courtyard, a dance trio executed intricate choreography, while flamenco dancer Lakshmi “La Chimi” Basile brought 1950s history to life.
Celebrated flamenco dancer Lakshmi “La Chimi” Basile captures the essence of classic Spanish dancing during her “Passport to Spain” performance as part of Old Spanish Days’ Fiesta Finale. Staged like a living 1950s travel poster under the bright lights, the dramatic moment brought authentic Fiesta flair to El Paseo Restaurant. Credit: Carly Lindblad / Noozhawk photo 
Under El Paseo’s open roof, the restaurant courtyard fell breathless as Ruby Olson Vetter’s flute pierced the quiet air during Old Spanish Days’ Fiesta Finale. In that spellbinding silence, the music therapy scholar embodied the shared passion of Erin Graffy and the Profant Foundation for the Arts, proving that music can truly heal and uplift our community. Credit: Carly Lindblad / Noozhawk photo 
Mignonne Profant commands the El Paseo stage with an open-hearted welcome that sets the tone for an unforgettable evening. Beneath the radiant Old Spanish Days flags, she prepares the audience for a night dedicated to both performance and remembrance. Credit: Carly Lindblad / Noozhawk photo 
Manuel Gutierrez Cabello takes center stage during the “Passport to Spain” performance. Seated behind him, guitarist José Manuel Alconchel provides the rhythmic music that fuels the intensity of the scene. Credit: Carly Lindblad / Noozhawk photo 
Lakshmi “La Chimi” Basile commands the stage with gracefully raised arms and fierce expression, her vibrant red dress bringing the “Passport to Spain” energy to life. Spectators watch intently from the surrounding tables and upper balcony as her performance fills the courtyard. Credit: Carly Lindblad / Noozhawk photo 
Scholarship recipient Ruby Olson Vetter performs Chick Corea’s “Spain” on the flute under the twinkle lights of El Paseo Restaurant. Her solo honors the evening’s celebration of local artistic talent and tradition. Credit: Carly Lindblad / Noozhawk photo 
Beneath radiant Fiesta banners, Lakshmi “La Chimi” Basile commands the stage with passion and grace. Her striking performance connects the audience directly to the emotional heart of Spanish heritage. Credit: Carly Lindblad / Noozhawk photo
Meanwhile, auctioneer Avi Reichental kept the crowd energized as he raised scholarship funds for local artists.
For Graffy’s husband, Jim García, the celebration brought back vibrant memories of her passion for historical authenticity, from her legendary Fiesta wardrobe to her unforgettable stage presence.
“Between Erin and myself, we had a whole process full of values when it came to our outfits,” García remembered with a smile, recalling a traditional dress his wife brought back from Spain.
“One of my favorite memories was watching her host the Finale show and act as auctioneer a year or two before she died. That night, she raised more money than anyone had before. She had everyone laughing and giving because of her energy.”
For Mignonne Profant, Graffy’s dedication and positive spirit made her an irreplaceable force behind the scenes.
“I would text her late at night about something we were putting together, and I knew I could ask her for anything,” Mignonne recalled.
“I called her Wonder Woman. You’d say, ‘Erin, we need this or that, and she’d say, ‘Sure, no problem! Let’s put on a show.’”
Beyond their tireless collaboration, it is a quiet, personal moment captured during Fiesta that Mignonne holds closest to her heart.
“I have a cherished photograph of the two of us looking at the stage from behind in our full Fiesta attire,” she shared. “I’ll treasure it forever.”
With world-class performers and young scholars sharing the same floor, this night went way beyond a Fiesta Finale. This event was the very heart of Santa Barbara on full display.
In every twirl of a flamenco skirt, every soaring musical note, and every shared smile among the Profant sisters and Graffy family, Erin’s unmistakable warmth echoed through El Paseo.
Reporting on this evening was a deeply moving privilege and a reminder that while Erin Graffy de García leaves behind shoes that can never be filled, the art, love and tradition she inspired will keep stepping proudly into the spotlight for generations to come.
