Fiesta El Presidente shares story of Old Spanish Days history

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – "Everything Fiesta!" is a fitting title for David Bolton.

This year's El President happens to be an Old Spanish Days historian, as well as the California Missions Foundation's executive director.

And if that ism't impressive enough, Bolton received one of Spain's highest honors in 2019 when King Felipe VI awarded him with a knighthood during a visit.

Bolton talked to News Channel 3-12 about the first 99 years of Fiesta in Santa Barbara.

Next year will be a special centennial celebration, but that won't take away from this unique year.

For the first time in Fiesta History the Spirit is a young man. Jack Riley will be performing solo, duets and group dances.

The 2023 theme for Old Spanish Days' Fiesta celebration is "Let's Fiesta."

Old Spanish Days runs from August 2-6, but events have been going on all year.

For more information, visit www.sbfiesta.org.