From the newsroom to the parade route: News Channel 3 team joins Santa Barbara’s Desfile Histórico

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — It wouldn’t be a true Fiesta without a cascarón.

And as the colorful eggs cracked, cheers rang out and horses made their way down Cabrillo Boulevard, the spirit of Old Spanish Days was on full display Friday during Santa Barbara’s Desfile Histórico.

The historic parade brought horses, floats, carriages and riders to the waterfront, with participants dressed in colorful costumes representing different chapters of Santa Barbara and California history.

For some families, the parade is more than a Fiesta tradition — it is a tradition passed down through generations.

Natalie Hodges and her daughter, Lillie, have been riding in the parade for more than a decade.

“I collect the costumes from Spain and store them in a special Fiesta spot,” Natalie said.

Lillie says their horses have become part of the experience, too.

“Our horses love being close to people, so we push that,” she said.

That means parade-goers may get more than just a glimpse of the animals. Some lucky spectators even get the chance to interact with the horses along the route.

The Desfile Histórico dates back to Santa Barbara’s first Fiesta in 1924. More than a century later, it remains one of the biggest highlights of Fiesta week.

News Channel anchor and reporter Tracy Lehr, who took part in the parade this year, called it one of her favorite traditions.

“It is the best parade in the world, with the most horses and any parade in the West,” Lehr said. “And the best people that look so beautiful.”

Lehr said she has never missed the parade, but this year gave her a different perspective — riding in a carriage alongside her News Channel colleagues.

“I would never miss this parade. I never missed this parade,” Lehr said. “But today I get to be in a carriage, and it’s so special. What makes it so special? To be with you and all our colleagues that are like family.”

Several members of the News Channel team joined in the festivities, trading the newsroom for the parade route.

Chief Meteorologist Evan Vega joked about the heat after spending hours in the sun.

“It’s very warm out here,” Vega said. “One of the people in the audience said it felt like 90 degrees. But when you’re sitting out here for hours in the sun, I’m sure it does beat out pretty well.”

Anchor Scott Hennessee reflected on how the parade has changed over the years.

“Of course, it used to go down State Street, which had its own vibe, but this is so pretty to be along the beach,” Hennessee said. “We get this ocean breeze. Love it.”

While the Desfile Histórico may have marked one of Fiesta’s biggest moments, the celebration is not over yet.

The Fiesta Children’s Parade will take place Saturday along Cabrillo Boulevard, bringing another generation into the celebration.