[Noozhawk’s note: One in a daily series leading up to Old Spanish Days Fiesta.]
La Recepción del Presidente is the official start to every Fiesta week in Santa Barbara. It’s an annual tradition to honor all Old Spanish Days Presidentes, past and present. It is an evening of history, and an evening of tradition.
Each year, El Presidente plays an important role in the planning and successful roll out of our community Fiesta.
It takes 12 months, often longer, to plan and orchestrate this popular summer Fiesta celebration.
Throughout the year of planning, El Presidente presides over it all, and also serving as the host during the countless Fiesta events and celebrations that make up Old Spanish Days.
El Presidente sets the tone for that Fiesta year … selecting that year’s theme, poster and pin. El Presidente also serves as the organization’s spokesperson, conducting countless media interviews and holding conversations with sponsors, supporters and members of our extended community.
Fiesta had its first El Presidente in 1925 — the second year of Fiesta.
During the inaugural Fiesta the previous year, Charles Pressley served as the executive director, orchestrating every aspect of that kickoff celebration in 1924.
The following year, it was equestrian aficionado Dwight Murphy who served as the first Old Spanish Days El Presidente.
Old Spanish Days had incorporated in September 1924 as a community-serving nonprofit organization. El Presidente became the CEO of the new corporation and continues in that role today.
In all, there have been 77 Los Presidentes. The conference room walls at Old Spanish Days headquarters are lined with images of every El Presidente, serving the organization as the presiding officer of that year’s festivities.
Among this distinguished group, there have been a total of seven Las Presidentes. Meta Duell served as the first La Presidente in 1985. Click here for a gallery of Los Presidentes.
From welcoming the community at Fiesta Pequeña to a carriage or horseback ride in the historic parade, El Presidente has a busy week during Fiesta.
This year La Recepción del Presidente will be held July 28 at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Click here for tickets and more information.
The 100th anniversary of Old Spanish Days Fiesta gets underway on July 31 and runs through Aug. 4. Click here for a calendar of Fiesta events.
¡Viva el Centenario!
