A historic carriage makes its way up State Street in downtown Santa Barbara on Friday during the Old Spanish Days Fiesta Parade. 
A rider shows off his rope skills during Friday’s El Desfile Histórico in downtown Santa Barbara. 
Members of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department help parade-goers keep their cool. 
The Highway 101 overpass frames a rider on her horse. 
Los Ninos on the parade route. 
Santa Barbara County firefighters on the parade route. 
A rider shows off his rope skills during Friday’s El Desfile Histórico in downtown Santa Barbara. 
Two riders are silhouetted during the Fiesta Parade. 
Mayor Cathy Murillo enjoying her ride in the parade. 
A toddler stares in amazement at the parade. 
Sheriff Bill Brown and his mounted unit wave to the crowd. 
Parade participants wave to the crowd. 
Three musicians are silhouetted during the Fiesta Parade. 
A costumed rider. 
Old Glory waves during the parade. 
A rider on the beach. 
Two riders are all smiles during the parade. 
Dancers show off the spirit of Fiesta. 
Riders on the beach.
Children eagerly waved to the horses and colorfully decorated wagons on Friday as the annual Old Spanish Days Fiesta Parade made its way through downtown Santa Barbara.
In return, parade participants let out shouts of “Viva la fiesta!” as they tossed flowers into the crowd.
Friday was the 95th anniversary of the Fiesta Parade, formally known as El Desfile Histórico.
The horse procession is one of the largest in the nation, with over 600 horses, antique carriages, coaches, and wagons.
The event was free to the public and brought out a large crowd that filled the sidewalks of the parade route, which stretched from the west end of Cabrillo Boulevard to State Street, then up to Sola Street.
While waiting for the parade to pass by, children smashed traditional cascarones — confetti filled eggs — on each other’s heads, and families were able to purchase toys, food, and parasols from vendors as they walked through the crowds.
Some people, in the spirit of the parade, came wearing traditional hats, skirts, and dresses.
Parade volunteer marshalls Lisa and Jim Wilcox have a long history with the parade, as they have been volunteering for 10 years. Jim’s father was even in the parade when Jim was a child.
“I think it’s a rich cultural experience that makes Santa Barbara a unique place,” Wilcox said.
Elise Mcmillan was also a returning parade spectator, and like some other pet owners brought her dog, Oliver, to join the parade fun for the first time.
“It’s always fun to see the community together,” said Mcmillan.
The procession included floats illustrating scenes from California and Santa Barbara history.
These historical scenes were re-enacted by descendants of local Native Americans, Spanish pioneers, the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West, and local service clubs and organizations.
Old Spanish Days Fiesta continues through Sunday. Click here for more information, including a list of events.
— Noozhawk intern Jessica Reincke can be reached at jreincke@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
