Natalia Treviño and Victoria Plascencia selected as 2025 Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The Lobero Theatre hosted all 20 Spirit and Junior Spirit Finalists and chose their winners for this year's upcoming Fiesta celebration Saturday.

After a fierce competition, 2025 Fiesta El Presidente Fritz Olenberger announced that Victoria Plascencia earned Junior Spirit honors and Natalia Treviño received the Spirit nomination.

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The search for the 2025 Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta is underway, as Old Spanish Days partners with News Channel to showcase this year’s finalists and audition process.

A total of 20 finalists — 10 in each category — will audition Saturday, April 12, at 2 p.m. at the historic Lobero Theatre. The event is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and support the young performers.

Old Spanish Days plans to livestream the event for those who can't make it out to Lobero Theatre. You can watch the livestream here.

Each year, the Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta serve as goodwill ambassadors for Old Spanish Days, Santa Barbara’s annual summer celebration. Through dance and public appearances, they bring to life the cultural heritage and joyful spirit of the festival, which honors the traditions of Spain, Mexico and early California.

Local dance schools across the region play a key role in preparing students in the rich multicultural dance traditions showcased during Fiesta. The finalists have spent months training and rehearsing for the honor of representing their community.

News Channel will feature a finalist for Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta each day beginning Monday, March 31.

Spirit of Fiesta Finalists

Junior Spirit of Fiesta Finalists