Old Spanish Days Begin With Rehearsals

Some people were treated to a sneak peak of what’s to come at the Sunken Gardens in Santa Barbara Monday night.

They saw dancers rehearse for Noches de Ronda behind the historic Santa Barbara Courthouse.

Tuesday another rehearsal will take place for Fiesta Pequena on the steps of the Santa Barbara Mission.

Locals seem to know about these early events before the 90th annual Old Spanish Days begin.

But there are accidental tourists too. Carol McNamara of the Lavender Inn By The Sea said each year people will book rooms without knowing they are coming to Santa Barbara during the biggest celebration of the year. She said it is a pleasant surprise since the hotel is across the street from the Carriage Museum where the horses and riders prepare for parades.

Marking your spot for all the Wednesday’s Fiesta Pequena at the Old Mission is only allowed on the day before.

Many stores are preparing for brisk business including Bizerk on State Street.

Bizerk has fiesta clothing that customers can buy or rent for the five day event.

For more fiesta information go to, www.sbfiesta.org