The Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens was home to a radiant celebration of music, dance and community spirit Thursday evening for Las Noches de Ronda.
A beloved tradition of Old Spanish Days Fiesta, the free evening showcase drew hundreds of spectators out to support their friends, family, and the cultural heritage of flamenco dance in Santa Barbara.
Taking center stage was Natalia Treviño, this year’s Spirit of Fiesta, opening the show with her performance of “Alegrias.”
At 16 years old, Natalia embodies the harmony of dedication and passion that defines Fiesta.
She’s a standout student and active community volunteer, and has danced flamenco since the age of 2, participating in the Children’s Parade almost every year.
Her solo performance was met with thunderous applause from her friends, family and supporters in the crowd.
The variety of dances reflected the theme of this year’s Fiesta: “Capture the Spirit.”
As 2025 El Presidente Fritz Olenberger shared in his welcome message, Fiesta is a time to honor the customs of California’s Rancho Period while uniting the community through shared heritage, music and celebration.
Thursday’s program featured more than 200 volunteer performers, representing a multitude of dance styles from traditional folklórica to flamenco and everything in between.
Brightly colored skirts swirled in unison, and melodies of Spanish guitar carried across the gardens, connecting generations of tradition. Supporters were passionate and vibrant in the crowd, chanting out names of their favorite dancers and studios as each piece began.
Performing for the first time at Las Noches de Ronda were the dancers of Contreras Flamenco Arts, a new company led by Santa Barbara’s own Jesalyn Contreras McCollum, who represented the city as the 2012 Junior Spirit and the 2018 Spirit of Fiesta.
She was overwhelmed with joy to be joining the stage on Thursday with her very own studio.
Las Noches de Ronda continues nightly at 8 p.m. through Fiesta week with a diverse lineup of performers.
Click through the slideshow below for more photos from Thursday’s performances.
El Jona waving to the crowds while singing Ojitos Traidores. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo 
Friends, family and spectators of Las Noches de Ronda hold up cell phone lights in support of the performers. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo 
Sahagun Dance performing Modo Carnival. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo 
Natalia Treviño, the 2025 Spirit of Fiesta, joins others from Contreras Flamenco Arts in their inaugural performance at Las Noches de Ronda. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo 
Dancers representing Flamenco! Santa Barbara performing Romeras with a live band. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo 
Nicolle Monreal sings La Cigarra. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo 
Vocalist Hanadisamar Jitani and Father Larry Gosselin. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo 
Alma De Mexico, performing Las Flores. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo 
Vocalist Irma Segura, singing Cartas Marcadas. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo 
The 2025 Spirit of Fiesta, Natalia Treviño, performing the opening number of the evening. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo 
Las Noches de Ronda emcees Erika Martin del Campo and Erica Hoover riling up the crowds with “Viva la Fiesta!” at the top of the performance. Credit: Sydney Hlavaty / Noozhawk photo