La Fiesta Pequeña kicks off 100th anniversary of Old Spanish Days
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – One of the largest crowds in Old Spanish Days history watched the long awaited night, La Fiesta Pequeña, commencing the week-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of Old Spanish Days.
It’s not everyday dancers perform in the spotlights on the Mission steps.
The Spirit and junior spirit arrived in style with Father Larry and posed for photos.
Former Spirits cheered them one including Paloma Rios Primini.
The 2005 Spirit is now a professional dancer.
“I have such beautiful memories here I am reliving them again with my past Spirits," said Primini," It's just unbelievable“
Flower girls Lily Munro are making memories,too. They wear ribbons and pins on the skirts representing all the years they have participated.
Munro has seven ribbons. Her favorite pin looks like a fan.
"I love having all these because it is like a reward for every year you do it."
Father Joe Schwab said he is a distant relative of this year's El Presidente Brian Schwabecher.
“Fiesta Pequeña was a way for the Old Mission to to be directly involved in Fiesta which had started in 1924." said Fr. Joe.
Juan Cota helped organize it after the 1925 earthquake.
Fiesta pequeña began when church towers were being rebuilt.
The history is appreciated by people who saved their spots at lawn around dawn.
Laurel Ann Mocny Renaud grew up in Santa Barbara and travels from Maryland to the performance every chance she gets.
“I love Fiesta Pequeña I mean this really is my favorite of all things, I love the parade, too but this is beautiful, “said Renaud.
Fiesta Pequeña is no longer small thanks to people who come back year after year.
Solo Performers included Spirit Georgey Taupin and Junior Spirit Aleenah Soriano and Timo Nuñez.
Taupin said their white dresses were made Maria Lazcano.
She also said her family incuding her father lyricist Bernie Taupin would be in the audience.
Siempre Flamenco dance members included great great Cota grandchildren.
Locals are familiar with the street named after the family.
More than 120 former Spirits and Junior Spirits poured out the Mission doors for a surprise Spirit reunion finale.
They received a standing ovation.
Your News Channel live-streamed this historic night at keyt.com/livestream as well as your NC 312 app and YouTube.
The show will air again on Monday Aug. 5th at noon on Now Channel and Saturday Aug. 10th at 9 a.m. on News Channel 3.
For more information on La Fiesta Pequeña, click here to visit the Old Spanish Days website.
