Dancers dazzled on the steps of the Old Mission Santa Barbara Wednesday night to kick off the 101st Old Spanish Days Fiesta with La Fiesta Pequeña.

The evening included performances from local dance schools such as Sahagun Dance Santa Barbara, Alma De Mexico, Ballet Folklorico Bell Arts, and performances from the Spirit and Jr. Spirit of Fiesta. 

Before the show began, residents and visitors set up picnics on the grass around the Mission as children ran around, chasing each other with silly string and confetti eggs. 

Some set up booths selling food, confetti eggs, jewelry, trinkets, and other Fiesta-related accessories. 

Rafael Sierra, a lifelong Santa Barbara resident, said he tries to go to La Fiesta Pequeña every year. 

“I’m looking forward to people having a good time, all the up-and-comers, the new dancers, the current dancers, and just being here,” Sierra said.

While he felt that there were fewer people gathered than usual, due to concerns around immigration enforcement, Sierra said he was looking forward to a night where everyone could have a good time. 

“Santa Barbara has always been about community, and seeing people all getting together, regardless of their status, it’s really beautiful to see,” Sierra said. “I love being from Santa Barbara, and I’m going to continue supporting it.”

Later this week Sierra said he plans to go to the parade, ​​Mercado De La Guerra, and the Fiesta celebration at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, which he said is the best place to be during Fiesta. 

As the sun began to set and excitement grew, dancers took to the stage with colorful customs, bright smiles, and a passion for celebrating Santa Barbara culture. 

Father Joe Schwab, president of Old Mission Santa Barbara, welcomed the crowd and prayed for a safe week ahead. 

“We ask God’s blessing upon all of us gathered here to keep us protected and safe and welcome in this city, this city of welcome,” Schwab said. “We’re glad you’re with us. We ask for the Lord to bless you and keep you.”

Ernestine Ygnacio-De Soto, a Barbareño Chumash Elder, blessed the crowd via video message with a prayer spoken in her native Chumash language. 

Natalia Trevino, 16, fulfilled a childhood dream Wednesday night when she stepped out of the Mission doors onto the stage and performed as the 2025 Spirit of Fiesta. She dedicated her performance to Linda Vega, her first dance teacher. 

Thousands of people watched the performances from around the mission and across the street in the Mission Rose Garden. 

Sarah Forster went to La Fiesta Pequeña so she could introduce her 2-year-old daughter to Fiesta. Later this week Forster said they’re looking forward to going to the celebration at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and the children’s parade. 

“It’ll probably be an earlier night for us, but we’re looking forward to a really fun weekend,” Forster said. “Santa Barbara has such a great culture, and to have our own holiday with the rest of our community is really special.”

Click here to read a guide on other Old Spanish Days Fiesta events this week.

Click through the slideshow below to see more photos from the evening.