Fiesta Pequeña to return to Santa Barbara Mission as Old Spanish Days plans enhanced Fiesta 2021
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Organizers for Old Spanish Days 2021 have announced a return to some in-person aspects of Fiesta coming up this summer.
The biggest announcement was the return of an in-person Fiesta Pequeña event to the steps of the Santa Barbara Mission. This event, showcasing some of the region's most talented flamenco dancers and singers, is planned for Wednesday, Aug. 4, and will be televised live on NewsChannel 3 beginning at 7 p.m.
The Old Spanish Days Board of Directors is adjusting these planned activities for Santa Barbara's premier event of the year as California reopens completely following more than a year of coronavirus-related restrictions.
La Presidenta Stephanie Petlow revealed even more changes beyond what has been presented for the annual celebration set for Aug. 4 through 8.
Old Spanish Days is in its 97th year. The posted calendar, which is being modified, has several community outreach events prior to Fiesta, including appearances by the Spirit and Junior Spirit with dance performances and visits to special locations.
Fiesta Ranchera "On the Go" in the Goleta Valley from June 17 to 19 will have many appearances to bring Fiesta to the public and enhance the entertainment at locations including shopping malls. It is being coordinated by Old Spanish Days and the Goleta Valley Historical Society.
The current schedule is:
- Thursday, June 17 - Calle Real Center: 7 p.m. at Los Arroyos Restaurant and 7:30 p.m. at the Nugget Bar & Grill
- Saturday, June 19 - Camino Real Marketplace from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Go to goletahistory.org for more details or visit www.sbfiesta.org.
Last month, the Old Spanish Days poster and pin were released at La Primavera.
The Goleta City Council is declaring Thursday, June 17, as “Fiesta Ranchera Day” in the City of Goleta. Fiesta was first celebrated at Stow House in 1968.
