Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta
Santa Barbara’s annual Fiesta celebration has arrived! Our team loves this beautiful and historic cultural festival, and we’re very excited to share with you our favorite activities and traditions to do during Fiesta!
David: “My kids love watching Fiesta Pequeña on Wed night at the Mission. And of course, smashing cascarones (confetti eggs) on everyone they see. I love hitting up Our Lady of Guadalupe for some of the best handmade tamales, music and dancing”
Devin: “Agreed on Our Lady of Guadalupe - best Fiesta food in town. One of our favorite activities is going to the rodeo - specifically to watch mutton bustin, where kids see how long they can ride on the back of a sheep! If you want to burn off the tamales and horchata, the cruiser ride highlights Santa Barbara's bike culture, starting on Sunday at noon at the Dolphin Fountain and ending at Goleta beach.”
Teddy: “We love going to Fiesta Pequena. The Mission is so beautiful lit up at night and my girls are always mesmerized by the flamenco dancers. We also love walking around El Mercado De La Guerra to buy confetti eggs, fiesta dresses and to grab a bite to eat. Some of my daughter's friends are flamenco dancers and they perform all week at various locations around town. One of our favorite spots to watch them is at El Paseo restaurant. The food is good and there is always a festive vibe, especially during the week of Fiesta. Viva la!”
We’ve also laid out the Fiesta schedule for you below, so you won’t miss out on any of the fun!
Fiesta Pequeña: Wednesday, August 2nd | 8 P.M - 10 P.M. | Santa Barbara Mission
El Mercado De La Guerra: Wednesday, August 2nd - Saturday, August 5th | 11 A.M. | De La Guerra Plaza
El Mercado De La Playa: Wednesday, August 2nd - Sunday, August 6th | 12 P.M. - 6 P.M | La Playa Stadium Parking Lot
Dignatarios (DIGS): Thursday, August 3rd | 5 P.M. - 10 P.M. | Santa Barbara Zoo
Las Noches de Ronda: Thursday, August 3rd - Saturday, August 5th | 8 P.M. | Sunken Gardens, Santa Barbara Court House
Our Lady of Guadalupe Mercado: Friday, August 4th - Sunday, August 6th. | (Fri & Sat) 11 A.M. - 10 P.M. (Sun) 11 A.M. - 9 P.M. | Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish (227 N Nopal St)
Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo: Friday, August 4th - Sunday, August 6th | (Fri & Sat) 7:30 P.M. (Sun) 1 P.M. | Earl Warren Showgrounds
The Historical Parade: Friday, August 4th | 12 P.M. (Noon) | Along Cabrillo Boulevard from Castillo Street to Calle Puerto Vallarta
The Children’s Parade: Saturday, August 5th | 10 A.M. | Along Cabrillo Boulevard from Garden Street to Calle Puerto Vallarta
