[Noozhawk’s note: One in a daily series leading up to Old Spanish Days Fiesta.]
For more than three decades, and for many who were able to attend, Montecito’s Noche de Gala was the Old Spanish Days Fiesta event of the year.
Held at the beachfront Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club from 1960-1993, this elegant evening brought together the movers and shakers of the community, often the California governor included, for a night to remember.
It was the social event of the summer.
Organized by a local committee, Noche de Gala was unique. Men and women dressed in their Fiesta finest. An array of food and beverage options, outstanding entertainment and all of this on the edge of our beautiful Pacific Ocean.
Noche de Gala was always held on the opening day of Santa Barbara’s Fiesta, the Wednesday before the first Friday of August.
It was an evening event, and many of the attendees arrived following an appearance in the VIP section of Fiesta Pequeña at the Santa Barbara Mission.
In those days Fiesta Pequeña began earlier than its current 8 p.m. showtime. This allowed Noche de Gala attendees the opportunity to see a portion of Pequeña, and then exit to their waiting cars and chauffeurs for the ride to Montecito.
But after 34 years, and with a dwindling committee and a change of Coral Casino ownership, Noche de Gala became a distant memory after its last show in 1993.
This year it’s being brought back. It has a new venue, and it’s a new era.
Credit: Herb Barthels Collection photo 
Credit: Herb Barthels Collection photo 
Credit: Herb Barthels Collection photo 
Credit: Herb Barthels Collection photo 
Credit: Herb Barthels Collection photo 
Credit: Herb Barthels Collection photo 
Credit: Herb Barthels Collection photo 
Credit: Herb Barthels Collection photo 
Credit: Herb Barthels Collection photo
Casa del Herrero is hosting Noche de Gala on Saturday throughout its spacious, Spanish and Moorish estate and gardens at 1387 East Valley Road.
The Casa wanted to connect its history with Old Spanish Days for this 100th anniversary Fiesta as next year, in 2025, is the 100th anniversary of Casa del Herrero.
The Casa’s original owner, industrialist George Fox Steedman, and his family were supporters of Old Spanish Days and avid Fiesta enthusiasts.
Part of Saturday’s event will include Steedman’s Fiesta outfits dating back nearly 100 years.
Fiesta 2024 runs July 31-Aug. 4. Click here for a complete calendar of Fiesta events.
¡Viva el Centenario!
