I Madonnari Brings Street To Life In Santa Barbara

I Madonnari is marking its 30th year by making the pavement in front of the Old Mission in Santa Barbara vibrant.

Street painters started transforming the Mission plaza with pastels early Saturday morning.

There are 150 sponsored squares.

Organizers describe it as a romantic festival. A similar one takes place in Grazie di Curtatone, Italy.

Santa Barbara’s festival is free, but the sponsored works of art benefit the Children’s Creative Project.

The nonprofit arts education program works with the Santa Barbara County Education Office to provide visual and performing art workshops and performances at schools in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

Festival hours are 10-6 through Memorial Day.

For more information visit, www.imadonnarifestival.com