[Noozhawk’s note: One in a daily series leading up to Old Spanish Days Fiesta.]
For years they were called the Fiesta Flower Girls, now they are Los Niños de las Flores, and these young ambassadors of Santa Barbara’s annual Old Spanish Days Fiesta continue to bring smiles to the entire community.
The Flower Girls idea was created for Fiesta 1949. It was a special historical year as a Spirit of Fiesta, Lia Parker, was selected for the very first time.
The idea of a group of “Flower Girls” following the Spirit of Fiesta as she danced the parade route was thought of by Ruth Dow Figg-Hoblyn and her husband.
The original plan in 1949 called for just a handful of Flower Girls to accompany the Spirit, but in the end, dozens of girls lined both sides of the street as Parker danced to everyone’s delight.
Nearly 40 years later in 1987, the outfits worn today were created after being inspired by a goal to “create a sense of pride, unity and community spirit.”
More than 100 youngsters will participate in the Los Niños de las Flores program during this year’s 100th anniversary Fiesta.
In 2018, boys asked to participate, leading to the name change to Los Niños de las Flores.
In much the same spirit as they have carried for decades, Los Niños are regular Fiesta fixtures.
They welcome everyone to Fiesta Pequeña at the Santa Barbara Mission with a joyful “Viva la Fiesta.” They walk in the parade, handing out flowers to those lining the streets.
They make multiple appearances for seniors, the police and fire departments, the airport, the train station and countless other events.
Each year a special garden party is held for Los Niños. This year the venue was the historic Stow House in Goleta, part of the Goleta Valley Historical Society.
Fiesta’s 2019 La Presidenta Barbara Carroll served as the Garden Party’s mistress of ceremonies. She herself was a Flower Girl in the 1970s.
“Los Niños represent the joy of Fiesta to Old Spanish Days and to the community,” she said. “Their visits to people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to participate in Fiesta generate excitement wherever the show up.
“And during Fiesta, everyone starts to get excited because they are there.”
This year’s Fiesta Pequeña is set for 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, at the Old Mission, 2201 Laguna St.
Fiesta 2024 runs July 31-Aug. 4. Click here for a complete calendar of Fiesta events.
¡Viva el Centenario!
