A variety of Mexican and Old Spanish Days elements, along with iconic Santa Barbara landmarks in celebration of Old Spanish Days feature prominently in the 2026 Fiesta poster that was unveiled over the weekend.
El Presidente 2026 Colin Hayward and La Primera Dama Monica Hayward presented the artwork to the community.
The Old Spanish Days theme this year is Fiesta Forever. Fiesta 2026 runs Aug. 5-9.
Hayward’s vision for the poster was brought to life by local artist Pedro De La Cruz who spent six months working on the design.
In celebration of the 103rd edition of Old Spanish Days Fiesta, scenes on the poster incorporate dancing flamencas, mariachis, vaqueros on horseback, the Old Mission, Casa De La Guerra, and Saint Barbara’s famed tower.
Wearing traditional Fiesta costumes are El Presidente 2026 Colin Hayward and La Primera Dama Monica Hayward. (Courtesy photo)
“The font used on the poster for the word ‘Fiesta’ is a duplication of our traditional Fiesta font that we have used since the ’40s,” Hayward said during the poster unveiling.
“We wanted the poster to blend in with posters that Old Spanish Days has created for more than 100 years,” he said.
Old Spanish Days posters have been created for most Fiestas since the inaugural community-wide celebration in 1924.
Three exclusive metal prints of this year’s poster will be featured in a special auction during the La Primavera celebration at El Paseo Restaurant, May 2.
Also in the spotlight at the event will be the first official dance performed by 2026 Spirit of Fiesta Jenna Ramirez and Junior Spirit Penny Hernandez.
For tickets and details, visit sbfiesta.org.
Printed posters are available at Ace Hardware Home Improvement Center in Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara Historical Museum; Old Mission Santa Barbara; and Flag Factory in Carpinteria. To order online, visit sbfiesta.org.