Entertainers come from far and wide to participate in Fiesta. Here, dancers Carmela and Gabriel Cansino delight the audience at El Paseo Restaurant, circa 1940.
Entertainers come from far and wide to participate in Fiesta. Here, dancers Carmela and Gabriel Cansino delight the audience at El Paseo Restaurant, circa 1940. Credit: Santa Barbara Historical Museum Collection photo

[Noozhawk’s note: First in a daily series leading up to Old Spanish Days Fiesta.]

History is a big part of Old Spanish Days Fiesta. Our beloved community celebration honors tradition, culture and heritage.

It is an event unique to Santa Barbara, and this year we all come together for the centennial, the 100th Anniversary of Old Spanish Days Fiesta.

During these final days leading up to the start of Old Spanish Days 2024, we share with you images and photographs that have captured the spirit of our Fiesta. 

Fiesta 2024 runs July 31-Aug. 4. A special exhibition on the history of Old Spanish Days, Project Fiesta!, opens July 12 at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, 136 E. De la Guerra St.

Click here for a calendar of Fiesta events.

Viva el Centenario!

David Bolton is executive director of the California Missions Foundation. His research focuses on California’s role in Spain’s support of the American Revolution, the Donativo Project, and the preservation of California’s mission and presidio heritage. In 2023, he served as El Presidente of Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days, and in 2019 he was knighted at the direction of Spain’s King Felipe VI as a Commander of the Royal Order of Isabel la Católica. The opinions expressed are his own.