Last weekend in July/first weekend in August
Throughout Santa Barbara, including the Old Mission and Downtown
What Is Fiesta?
“Fiesta,” officially called Old Spanish Days, is a five-day citywide celebration of Santa Barbara’s cultural heritage. First held in 1924, it honors Spanish, Mexican, and Chumash influences through music, dance, food, and pageantry — and the entire town gets involved.
Signature Events
Fiesta Pequeña: The festival’s traditional opening ceremony, held on the steps of Old Mission Santa Barbara, featuring regional dancers and live music under the stars.
El Desfile Histórico: One of the largest equestrian parades in the United States. Riders in historic dress travel along Cabrillo Boulevard near the waterfront. In 2025, the parade was scheduled for Friday, August 1, 12:00–1:30 PM, with optional shaded reserved seating available.
Mercados: Outdoor markets (“mercados”) pop up downtown with handmade crafts, mariachi, and classic Fiesta foods like tacos, tamales, and churros. Mercado De La Guerra opens daily starting late morning and runs into the evening.
Las Noches de Ronda: Nighttime music and folklórico dance shows in the park featuring local performers.
What to Expect
- Live flamenco and folklórico dancing across multiple stages all weekend.
- Cascarones (confetti eggs): You’ll see kids and adults cracking confetti-filled eggs over each other’s heads — a beloved Fiesta tradition that adds color to the streets. (Cascarones are also a well-known tradition in similar Latino heritage festivals such as Fiesta San Antonio.)
- Downtown street energy: State Street and the waterfront fill with music, Spanish guitar, horseback riders, traditional costumes, and food booths.
Good to Know
- Parking: Arrive early for parade day. Many streets close for equestrian and historic processions.
- Family-friendly: Daytime mercados and parades are great for kids. Evening celebrations can be crowded and loud.
- Dress: Locals lean into bright colors, embroidered blouses, guayabera shirts, and flowers in the hair — feel free to join in.
Official Info
Event Website: sbfiesta.org
Category: Events
Tags: History, Parade, Dance, Family-Friendly, Summer