Swirling layers of ruffled satin skirts flared across the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden on Friday afternoon as Flor y Canto once again brought early California history to life through music, narration and dance.
Now in its 22nd year as a cornerstone of Old Spanish Days Fiesta, the annual event carried a bittersweet rhythm.
It marked the second year the performance took place without its founder, the late Santa Barbara historian and writer Erin Graffy de García, who created the event in 2004 and died in early 2025.
Yet Graffy’s presence was woven into every detail of the production. Her voice echoed through the carefully preserved historical scripts over the loudspeakers.
Generations of local dancers, from young children to traditional Spanish dancers, honored her legacy with every step.
For narrator Yvette Keller, going into the role after Graffy’s death meant carrying forward the vision of a mentor and genuine local authority.
“Erin was a historian — like an actual, true historian,” Keller said. “I used to take Erin’s classes at SBCC.
“She loved the town so much. She loved all the interesting little details of the history so much, and that’s really her legacy to us.”
Keller also shares a deep appreciation for the way Graffy connected modern Santa Barbara to its humble beginnings.
“I think it’s really important historically for us to remember that we come from these simple origins, and now we are this amazing place thanks to people like Erin who wanted to cherish and preserve it.”
Members of El Coro de Santa Barbara hold white flowers as they perform “Las Blancas Flores” during Friday’s Flor y Canto event at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden. The traditional love song tells the story of a girl singing with a white flower in her hands, holding on to feelings so strong she fears her love might be unrequited. Credit: Carly Lindblad / Noozhawk photo 
Dancers raise tambourines woven with bright ribbons against a backdrop of sunlit palms during Friday’s Flor y Canto performance at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden. The annual Old Spanish Days event brings early California history to life through traditional storytelling and dance. Credit: Carly Lindblad / Noozhawk photo 
Brightly dressed dancers hold up ribbons and tambourines while spinning across the stage during Flor y Canto. This traditional dance showcases the lively spirit of old California. Credit: Carly Lindblad / Noozhawk photo 
Dancers hold hands and twirl on stage during Friday’s showcase. This couples dance draws cheers from the crowd as performers seamlessly mirror each other’s movements. Credit: Carly Lindblad / Noozhawk photo 
Dancers share joyful glances as their ruffled, vibrant skirts sweep across the stage during Friday’s Flor y Canto performance. Set beneath the courthouse in the Sunken Garden, the lively dance fills the afternoon with tradition and community spirit. Credit: Carly Lindblad / Noozhawk photo 
Narrator Yvette Keller guides the audience through Santa Barbara’s rich history, weaving historical details between live musical and dance performances. As a former student of the late historian Erin Graffy de García, Keller brings both deep local knowledge and genuine passion to the role. Credit: Carly Lindblad / Noozhawk photo 
Dancers fan out across the stage in vibrant teal, magenta and purple skirts. Connected hand-to-hand, their synchronized movement fills the stage with waves of color and spirit. Credit: Carly Lindblad / Noozhawk photo 
Showcasing the beautifully made dresses, a lead dancer fans out her deep magenta gown with a flourish as she twirls with her partner. The intricate and rich fabrics bring an extra layer of elegance to the Flor y Canto performance. Credit: Carly Lindblad / Noozhawk photo 
Father Larry Gosselin offers a blessing to close the afternoon’s festivities. Surrounded by historical dancers, the special moment honors the spiritual roots and traditions of early Santa Barbara. Credit: Carly Lindblad / Noozhawk photo 
Performers wave goodbye to the crowd as they gather together on stage. The joyful finale highlights the sense of community and shared passion that keeps Santa Barbara’s early history alive. Credit: Carly Lindblad / Noozhawk photo 
Children smile and wave, signaling the joyful conclusion of Flor y Canto. The heartwarming moment on stage represents the passing of cultural heritage to the next generation during this beloved annual event. Credit: Carly Lindblad / Noozhawk photo
Unlike the high-energy galas or bustling street markets of Fiesta week, Flor y Canto, translating from the original phrase for “flower and song,” stands out as an intimate, free afternoon gathering focused entirely on historical education and musical art forms.
For longtime community members like Father Larry Gosselin, who spoke at the gathering, Graffy’s enduring influence remains a driving force for this celebration.
“I knew Erin greatly, and she was actually one of the first people I met when I came here 14 years ago,” he said.
“She gave me a reason to continue … and feel the love that I feel from this community.”
Graffy’s dedication to historical accuracy continues to ground the festivities, tying modern Santa Barbara directly to its roots.
“She’s continued to spark the historical aspects of all that we are in Santa Barbara, and really enrich our present life by honoring our foundation,” Gosselin noted.
Reflecting on the huge crowd gathered under the summer sky, he described the atmosphere in the Sunken Garden as nothing short of uplifting.
“I can’t describe what it means to even be in an event like this and to be a participant of it,” Gosselin said. “It is overwhelming.
“This is a little bit of heaven. This is what heaven feels like, to be in this community, representing goodness and our history in our Fiesta.”
As the final notes of Spanish guitars faded and dancers took their final bows against the sunlit courthouse walls, the warm applause made one thing clear: Erin Graffy’s passion for Santa Barbara’s history continues to resonate.
Flor y Canto stands as a living testament to her vision. This cherished event will always remind us that as long as the community gathers every August to honor its roots, her spirit will keep dancing in the Sunken Garden.
