El Desfile Historico Brings Thousands to Santa Barbara to Celebrate Fiesta
A colorful equestrian parade with over 80 entries brings out thousands in Santa Barbara. El Desfile Historico was like turning back the hands of time to the early Spanish, Mexican, Ranchero, Native American and Religious days of the Central Coast.
The parade featured horses and riders from throughout the area many wearing very cultural and vintage attire.
Carriages and coaches dated back decades and some are only used in selected parades.
The Grand Marshall of the parade is Oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau.
“It was great for the locals to be out here, one time of the year that we can all have a great time and the heritage that goes way way back hundreds of years ago,” said longtime Santa Barbara resident Barry Liker.
Moments after she got off of the Montecito Bank and Trust carriage, Community representative Ashleigh Davis said, “It was awesome, it was fun to wave to people and see the excitement. Everybody comes together for the same cause, it is just classic.”
For many spectators, it was an annual tradition to see the parade with their family and friends. Many have their favorite spots, year after year.
For Joanna Stephens, who flew in from Europe, she said, “I must admit this is my first day in California. I arrived last night from England. It is amazing. I come from a town with horses, I ride horses. This is a beautiful sense of community. So thank you very much for this party for me!”
After the parade many people stayed in downtown and enjoyed the music, food and entertainment on every street.
NewsChannel 3 was also treated to a special hand painted cascarones with our logo on it from the Mendez family selling on State near De la Guerra Street.
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