[Noozhawk’s note: One in a daily series leading up to Old Spanish Days Fiesta.]
History is an important part of Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days.
From the historical parade to keeping alive traditions and our city’s heritage, Fiesta celebrates its 10oth anniversary this year and history will be at the forefront.
A comprehensive look back at the first 100 years of Old Spanish Days is on full display at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. Each year the museum features Project Fiesta!, an informative and fun look at our beloved community celebration.
This year the exhibit is special, featuring virtually every Fiesta poster, old and new film, photographs and important and interesting Old Spanish Days memorabilia and costumes.
Fiesta posters through the years. Credit: David Bolton photo 
Fiesta posters through the years. Credit: David Bolton photo 
A number of Fiesta posters over the years featured the same two dancers — wearing different colors. Credit: David Bolton photo 
The 1957 Old Spanish Days Fiesta poster. Credit: David Bolton photo 
The 1959 Old Spanish Days Fiesta poster. Credit: David Bolton photo 
Dacia Harwood, executive director of the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, proudly displays the annual Project Fiesta! exhibit. “People connect with Fiesta history because they can share their own family stories,” she says. Credit: David Bolton photo
“Fiesta is such an important part of local history,” said Dacia Harwood, the museum’s executive director. “Fiesta was created to bring people to Santa Barbara and to celebrate all that is special and beautiful about our city.
“People connect with Fiesta history because they can share their own family stories. We love hearing that ‘my mom was a dancer’ or ‘my grandmother was a flower girl,’ and the many ways families have shared this tradition over the years.”
Without a doubt, the historical museum has a fine collection of Old Spanish Days memorabilia and artifacts, not to mention its other vast collections. Thousands of photos, classic outfits and family treasures all contribute to the Fiesta centennial story.
Project Fiesta! is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday through Sunday, and from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday at the museum at 136 E. De la Guerra St.
Historic Tours
Special historic tours are also an important part of the Santa Barbara Fiesta experience. Daily tours of the Santa Barbara Mission, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Casa del Herrero in Montecito will provide visitors with an up-close and behind-the-scenes look at these historic sites and their connections to Old Spanish Days past and present. For tour information and schedules, please contact each of the locations directly.
“Our community members were told to take time off from work (during Fiesta week), welcome friends from near and far, and to appreciate our historic buildings and unique culture,” Harwood said.
Old Spanish Days 2024, the Centennial, runs July 31-Aug. 4, with pre-Fiesta events beginning next week. Click here for a complete calendar of Fiesta events.
¡Viva la Fiesta and Viva el Centenario!
