Since moving to Santa Barbara two months ago, I have been trying to learn more about my new home, meeting new people and zeroing in on important issues and the local culture.
One of the things I have been looking forward to is Old Spanish Days Fiesta.
I have heard of the event, but coming from Los Angeles County, I never had the chance to attend. Now, I not only get to try something new, but I get to be here for Fiesta’s 100th anniversary.
As the Fiesta kicked off Wednesday, the first event I had the opportunity to attend was El Mercado De la Guerra. Held in De la Guerra Plaza, the event is described as a walk-through “colorful Mexican market.”
As I walked along Anacapa Street toward the mercado, I could smell the event before I was even near it. I passed people holding plates of food ranging from tacos and taquitos to other various treats.
As I got closer, I could hear the familiar sounds of Mexican music.
Turning down De la Guerra Street, I was greeted by vendors carrying a variety of goods. Many of them are familiar — hats, blankets, painted skulls and more. I was even surprised to find booths selling anime merchandise.
One of the surprising things was the number of people who had already turned up at the event. Even in the middle of the week, the plaza was full of people wandering from stall to stall, conversing and enjoying the different types of food.
One of the people I met at the event was Cristobal Cabrillo, who was attending the event with a friend. Last year, Cabrillo performed on the main stage but was attending this year as a fan.
“It’s kind of like one big block party in the sense that there’s food [and] activities,” Cabrillo told Noozhawk. “It’s like a showcase for Santa Barbara and kind of shows a variety of cultures in the city and gives everyone a chance to get together and celebrate all that.”
The variety of food ranged from traditional Mexican food, including tacos, taquitos and churros. At the same time, other stands sold hot dogs, funnel cakes and other desserts.
Making my way through the plaza and examining my choices, I finally decided on some asada tacos.
After securing my food, I found a place in the shade to watch the dancers on the main stage. The stage featured multiple troupes performing traditional dances alone and with partners. At one point, dancers entered the crowd to start a conga line with the audience, weaving around through the plaza.
Two of the performers were Jessica and Erika Sahagun, who danced to the Mexican folk song “Cielito Lindo,” or “Beautiful Sky.”
The sisters are part of Sahagun Dance, which was started by their mother in 1987. The sisters began dancing when they were children and have performed at 30 Fiestas.
Even though they have danced at past events, they said this year is particularly special.
“It’s an honor,” Jessica Sahagun told Noozhawk. “I’ve been looking [forward] to this year since I was a little girl. I would count the years like, ‘Wow, I’m gonna be there for the 100th year.’”
Hosting the show was Rose Marie Cruz from Cruz Dance Productions. As we talked, Cruz told me that she has been part of the Fiesta for 53 years and once danced at the Fiesta with her instructor.
Since opening her studio, Cruz has taught multiple students who were later chosen as the Spirit of Fiesta, including her daughter.
Every year, the Spirit of Fiesta is chosen by judges to represent the Fiesta. Judges also select a Junior Spirit of the Fiesta.
“It’s the true spirit,” Cruz said. “The body and the soul for the Fiesta in Santa Barbara.”
As I wrapped up my first day at Fiesta, I have to say my first experience at Old Spanish Days was a success. Along with some good food, music and performances, I met people who seem to embody what Fiesta means and represents for Santa Barbara.
For anyone who is interested in experiencing it for themselves, the El Mercado De la Guerra will be open through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The event is free and can be found across the street from Santa Barbara City Hall and in De la Guerra Plaza.
Besides the plaza, another option is the mercado held at Our Lady of Guadalupe at 227 N. Nopal St. It’s open Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information, visit sbfiesta.org.
