Unity through Community is theme for Fiesta 2017

‘Unity through Community’ is this year’s theme for Fiesta 2017.

The announcement was made Wednesday afternoon by this year’s Old Spanish Days La Presidente, Rhonda Henderson.

“In the words of Father Virgil,” Henderson said.

In Spanish, that translates to “Unidos en Comunidad.”

Henderson said those three words were specially chosen to honor Father Virgil’s memory and legacy as they were his own, each year, during Fiesta.

“What really stuck out to me was not words but a person, the late Father Virgil Cordano,” Henderson said. “For those of you who were not aware, Father Virgil had a long history with Old Spanish Days. He served on the board from 1963 until his death in 2008. He was an active participant in Fiesta.”

The longtime and highly popular local Franciscan Friar served at the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara for more than 50 years, including 17 years as a pastor before his death.

Each year, the Old Spanish Days Presidente has the honor of selecting the theme.

Henderson is hopeful these words will capture the spirit of Father Virgil and his love of fiesta and the community of Santa Barbara.