Fiesta Children’s Parade Brightens Santa Barbara Waterfront

The Fiesta Children’s Parade brought vibrant energy to Santa Barbara’s waterfront on Saturday as participants donned in colorful costumes waved to the crowds along Cabrillo Boulevard.

This event, organized by the Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department, is a highlight of the annual Old Spanish Days, which features a historical parade, daily dance and music performances, and a downtown mercado offering food and entertainment.

This year marks the 100th celebration of Old Spanish Days, and Saturday morning featured the beloved Children’s Parade that unites new families and long-time participants.

Starting near Cabrillo Boulevard and Garden Street and ending near Calle Puerto Vallarta, El Desfile de los Niños showcases parents, families, and friends who craft their own floats, carts and wagons.

Participants typically wear traditional costumes, enhancing the festive atmosphere with music and dance performances.

View more photos from the event by clicking through the galleries below.

Photos by Sydney Hlavaty:

The 2024 Junior Spirit of Fiesta, Aleenah Soriano. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
The 2024 El Presidente and Junior Spirit of Fiesta pose with other youth dancers before the parade begins. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
The 2024 Junior Spirit of Fiesta, Aleenah Soriano, leads the way to kickoff the parade. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
2024 El Presidente Brian Shwabecher waving to the crowds at the start of the parade. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Senator Monique Limon waves to the crowd as she joins the first few groups in the parade. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
The Fiesta Children’s Parade in Santa Barbara on Saturday. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Spectators enjoy streams of bubbles and bursts of egg confetti during the parade. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
The Fiesta Children’s Parade in Santa Barbara on Saturday. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Waving to the crowd at the Fiesta Children’s Parade in Santa Barbara on Saturday. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Waving to the crowd at the Fiesta Children’s Parade in Santa Barbara on Saturday. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Members of the Lermeno Dance Company march with loud cheers of “Viva La Fiesta”. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
The 2024 Spirit of Fiesta, Georgey Taupin, leads the way for the Lermeno Dance Company. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
The 2024 Spirit of Fiesta, Georgey Taupin, leads the way for the Lermeno Dance Company. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Cheers of “Viva La Fiesta” could be heard all morning from Cabrillo Boulevard. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Cheers of “Viva La Fiesta” could be heard all morning from Cabrillo Boulevard. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Waving to the crow at the Fiesta Children’s Parade in Santa Barbara on Saturday. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Dancers in traditional headdresses and armor in the Children’s Parade. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Dancers in traditional headdresses and armor in the Children’s Parade. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Dancers in traditional headdresses and armor in the Children’s Parade. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Young member of the Alma de Mexico Dance Studio perfects a skirt twirl as she dances by spectators at the parade. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Young member of the Alma de Mexico Dance Studio perfects a skirt twirl as she dances by spectators at the parade. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Members of the Koei-Kan Karate Do joined with a powerful striking demonstration. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Dancers from the Mexico Azteca Ballet Folklorico Studio twirl in beautiful traditional dresses. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Young dancers from the Garcia Dance Studio perform short sequences for spectators during the parade. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
The Fiesta Children’s Parade in Santa Barbara on Saturday. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Young dancers from the Garcia Dance Studio clap and cheer along to cries of “Viva La Fiesta” during the parade. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Waving to the crowd at the Fiesta Children’s Parade in Santa Barbara on Saturday. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Talented dancer spins a red cape during his performance for the parade. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Talented dancer spins a red cape during his performance for the parade. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Young participants wave to the crowd while they ride along. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Waving to the crowd at the Fiesta Children’s Parade in Santa Barbara on Saturday. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Young dancers twirl beautifully colored skirts as they proceed down Cabrillo. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Impressive float comes up Cabrillo Boulevard during the Children’s Parade. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
The Fiesta Children’s Parade in Santa Barbara on Saturday. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Young Dancers from the ME Sabor Dance Studio sparkle in beautiful leotards. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Warriors Cheerleading steals the stage with an energetic cheer routine towards the end of the parade. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Participants in the parade with their horses and goats. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Two young goats knock horns as they pass by in the Children’s Parade. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo
Well dressed goat leads the way for the final group in the parade. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo