Santa Barbara’s rich heritage comes alive during the first week of August with the music, dance, and pageantry of Old Spanish Days Fiesta, the granddaddy of Santa Barbara celebrations, reaching back to 1925.
The 5-day celebration, August 3-7, 2022, opens with La Fiesta Pequeña — the little festival — on the steps of the Old Mission Santa Barbara, (Wednesday from 8-10 pm) with traditional flamenco and Folklorico dance performances.
After a 2-year hiatus, the Mercado del Norte at Mackenzie Park is back! It is open 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. from Wednesday, August 3rd – Saturday, August 6th.
The Fiesta Historical Parade is back and again will feature floats depicting episodes from the history of the state and city. It is one of the nation’s largest equestrian parades, featuring over 600 horses, as well as many antique carriages, coaches, and wagons. The parade starts at the west end of Cabrillo Boulevard, proceeds east along the beach to Calle Cesar Chavez, then back down Cabrillo. The parade will run from noon to 3:00 pm on Friday. Viva la Fiesta!
