Community West Bank hosting one of many Old Spanish Days sponsor parties, this one at the Santa Barbara Club, where the idea of incorporating Fiesta was created in 1924 by a handful of club members.
Community West Bank hosting one of many Old Spanish Days sponsor parties, this one at the Santa Barbara Club, where the idea of incorporating Fiesta was created in 1924 by a handful of club members. Credit: David Bolton photo

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

Since 1924, the first year of Fiesta, Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days has taken pride in presenting a variety of Fiesta events free to the public.

This would not have been possible without the strong community support from a long list of Old Spanish Days sponsors.

From Fiesta Pequeña to the historic parade, from Noches de Ronda to the Mercado, it is the generosity of Old Spanish Days sponsors that allow these events to take place, free to the public.

2024 Spirit of Fiesta Georgey Taupin performing in front of an Old Spanish Days sponsor gathering at the Santa Barbara Club.
2024 Spirit of Fiesta Georgey Taupin performing in front of an Old Spanish Days sponsor gathering at the Santa Barbara Club. Credit: David Bolton photo

It is fair to say, without the sponsors and their support, Fiesta would not be able to celebrate this special 100th anniversary.

This year, during Fiesta 2024, Jordano’s is being recognized as one of two, longest continuous Old Spanish Days sponsors. The local food and beverage company has supported Fiesta since Year One in 1924.

“Whether financial, in kind or otherwise, Jordano’s support of our Fiesta has been unwavering over the last 100 years,” El Presidente 2024 Brian Schwabecher said.

“There were challenging years but Jordano’s always stuck with their community partners, ensuring we are able to continue with our mission despite the adversity sometimes occurring over the course of our shared history as a nonprofit community organization and a locally owned and operated business.”

Fiesta past Presidentes also know firsthand the importance of Old Spanish Days Fiesta sponsors, including the City of Santa Barbara, which has also supported this summer celebration of heritage, culture and community since the first one in 1924.

“Sponsors are the lifeblood of helping Fiesta come to fruition each year,” said J.C. Gordon, El Presidente 2016. “If it wasn’t for the sponsors’ contributions of time and money, Fiesta would not be possible.

“At every level, sponsors represent the entire cross section of the Santa Barbara community. They have the relationships with the community, and they have helped shape Fiesta as we celebrate this important 100th anniversary.”

Fiesta 2024, the Centennial, runs July 31-Aug. 4. Click here for a complete 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.