A young boy in a crisp white shirt and jeans marched proudly down Cabrillo Boulevard on Friday, blowing into a polished silver horn nearly as big as he was.

He was one of the youngest performers in this year’s El Desfile Histórico, part of the vibrant procession celebrating the 101st year of Old Spanish Days Fiesta.

Thousands lined Santa Barbara’s waterfront to take in the music, movement and color as the parade traveled along Cabrillo Boulevard, from Castillo Street to Calle Cesar Chavez.

Recognized as one of the largest equestrian parades in the nation, the event drew returning families and first-time visitors alike, many of them tossing handfuls of confetti as riders and performers passed under warm, lightly clouded skies.

“It was just the perfect kind of day for something like this,” said Troy Gantman of Northridge, who brought his family up for the weekend to experience Fiesta.

They were planning to head to the rodeo at Earl Warren Showgrounds later that night, and his kids were especially excited for the carnival games.

The parade showcased a wide range of performances honoring Santa Barbara’s cultural heritage.

Charros (Mexican cowboys) in embroidered jackets and wide-brimmed sombreros rode past on polished saddles, guiding their horses through prancing side steps and playful trots that brought out cheers from the crowd.

Folklórico dancers in bright skirts swept across the pavement, their movements timed to the rhythms of trumpets and guitars blending with the beat of marching drums.

The sound carried down the boulevard, creating an atmosphere of celebration that captured the spirit of Fiesta.

Floats rolled by with floral arrangements, lace umbrellas and riders in traditional dress.

One paid tribute to Old Mission Santa Barbara, where friars smiled and offered blessings to spectators. Others carried families or community groups on decorated platforms, tossing paper flowers and waving to familiar faces.

Among the clear crowd favorites were the Santa Barbara County firefighters, dressed in red department shirts and helmets, and armed with water sprayers, confetti buckets and an old-school hand-cranked fire siren that howled as they passed — a combination that had children squealing with laughter and calling out to be sprayed.

Even with the large turnout, most spectators appeared to find a spot along the sidewalk, with lawn chairs, blankets and strollers lining the edge of the route. A few groups watched from balconies and patios above, some hosting their own informal viewing parties.

Old Spanish Days also offered reserved seating along the mountain side of Cabrillo Boulevard, between Anacapa and Garden streets.

Lena Pacheco of Riverside said a friend discovered the ticketed section just days before the event and quickly secured seats for their families.

“It was such a relief not having to worry about where we’d sit,” she said. “Getting my kids out the door was a whole ordeal, so being able to just show up and enjoy the parade made a huge difference.”

Click here to learn more about Fiesta events happening this weekend.