Old Spanish Days, also known as Fiesta in Santa Barbara, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with promises that it will be one of the most memorable yet.

El Presidente Brian Schwabecher announced this year’s Fiesta theme and other plans on Wednesday in front of the historic Lobero Theatre. 

In honor of the 100th anniversary, this year’s theme is “Viva El Centenario!”

Schwabecher said he felt pressure picking the year’s theme, and in the end decided to focus on what this year is all about — celebrating the past 100 years and looking forward to the next.

“‘Viva El Centenario’ is really a message of yes, we’re celebrating the 1ooth, but we’re looking forward to the next hundred years,” he said. 

Schwabecher said it will be one of the biggest Fiestas ever, and that many traditional venues will be brought back, such as De la Guerra Plaza, the Mission and more. 

Fiesta organizers already have begun working with the City of Santa Barbara about this year’s parade, Schwabecher said. The route and size of the procession will be similar to last year with a few changes yet to be revealed to make it more grandiose.

Schwabecher said that one of the main goals for this year’s Fiesta is to bring in more out-of-town guests.

“Those guests and their friends and family who may have visited Santa Barbara in the summertime and enjoyed Old Spanish Days in the past but haven’t been back in awhile, now’s the year to do it,” he said. 

Schwabecher also encouraged local residents who may avoid Fiesta because of the large crowds and noise to still take part by creating their own celebrations with friends and neighbors.

The next step in Fiesta preparation will be Spirit auditions at the Lobero Theatre at 2 p.m. April 6.

“We have a full field of dancers this year — one of the biggest fields I’ve ever seen,” Schwabecher said. “I know the participants are very excited to participate just for the opportunity to say that they were a part of an audition for the Spirit and Junior Spirit for Fiesta in this 100th year.”

Anyone interested in learning how to volunteer for this year’s Fiesta can do so by clicking here.

The centennial Fiesta will be held from July 31 to Aug. 4.