[Noozhawk’s note: One in a daily series leading up to Old Spanish Days Fiesta.]

Camarillo Sisters, circa 1950. The County National Bank & Trust Company in the background is now Montecito Bank & Trust at 1000 State St.
Camarillo Sisters, circa 1950. The County National Bank & Trust Company in the background is now Montecito Bank & Trust at 1000 State St. Credit: Karl Obert / Santa Barbara Historical Museum Collection photo

In 1921, Adolfo Camarillo spied a beautiful white stallion at the California State Fair in Sacramento. The founder of the City of Camarillo bought it and brought it back to his ranch for breeding.

So began the famous line of Camarillo White Horses that became a fixture of Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta’s El Desfile Histórico, with Camarillo’s daughters then granddaughters astride these beautiful steeds.

Old Spanish Days Fiesta is an event unique to Santa Barbara, and this year we all come together for its 100th anniversary.

During these final days leading up to the start of Old Spanish Days 2024, we share with you images and photographs that have captured the spirit of our Fiesta. 

Fiesta 2024 runs July 31-Aug. 4. A special exhibition on the history of Old Spanish Days, Project Fiesta!, opens July 12 at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, 136 E. De la Guerra St.

Click here for a calendar of Fiesta events.

Viva el Centenario!

David Bolton is executive director of the California Missions Foundation. His research focuses on California’s role in Spain’s support of the American Revolution, the Donativo Project, and the preservation of California’s mission and presidio heritage. In 2023, he served as El Presidente of Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days, and in 2019 he was knighted at the direction of Spain’s King Felipe VI as a Commander of the Royal Order of Isabel la Católica. The opinions expressed are his own.