Music, dancing and plenty of food have taken over De la Guerra Plaza as the popular Mercado De La Guerra has returned as part of Old Spanish Days.

The marketplace, which began on Wednesday, is held across the street from Santa Barbara City Hall and features vendors from across the region selling crafts, food and more.

Strolling through the marketplace, visitors can find vendors selling a variety of clothes, ranging from dresses, hats, blankets and more. While most of the apparel represents the traditional Mexican style, there are some modern touches, including the popular kids’ character, Labubu.

One of the vendors at the event is Patricia Diaz, who owns a business called La Catrina Folk Art. Diaz sells a mixture of crafts she makes herself and other items from local artists.

Diaz has been coming to Old Spanish Days as a vendor for about 11 years and now attends with her daughter, who has her own booth, La Catrinita Crafts. She says the thing she likes about Old Spanish Days is that it allows her to see people she grew up with.

“It’s kind of like a mini reunion because my daughter was born here in Santa Barbara,” Diaz said. “She has family here. I have friends here, and then I have all my regular customers that come to visit me every year. So, to me, of course it’s business, but more so, it’s community.”

The feeling of community at Old Spanish Days was expressed by others at the event.

Ricardo Viviano Carmona grew up in Santa Barbara and said the event reminds him of happier days. He says what he likes about Old Spanish Days is the celebration of culture and tradition.

“My favorite thing is people coming together, dancing (all) night and … day. Just enjoying basically Santa Barbara and the tradition that Spanish culture and Mexican culture have to offer,” Carmona said.

In addition to the stalls, the event features plenty of dancing from local troupes. The main stage is in the center of De la Guerra Plaza, and another stage can be found in the courtyard across the street.  

One of the dances at the event was organized by Jesalyn Contreras McCollum, who is the owner and director of Contreras Flamenco Arts. She opened the studio a year ago, but she and many of her dancers have performed in Old Spanish Days in the past.

This is her first time attending Old Spanish Days with her own group.

“It’s very cool,” Contreras McCollum said. “It’s very special that I get to share my own choreography.”

Contreras McCollum was selected as a Spirit of Fiesta in 2018, and she has been involved in the event for about 20 years. She began as a little girl after seeing dancers at the Fiesta with her mom.

The El Mercado De la Guerra will be open through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Entrance to the event is free and can be found across the street from Santa Barbara City Hall in De la Guerra Plaza.