Fiesta poster, pin unveiled Saturday night at ‘La Primavera’
The official poster and pin for the 93 rd Old Spanish Days Fiesta were unveiled Saturday night in Santa Barbara as part of a large celebration.
La Presidente Rhonda Ledson Henderson debuted the much-anticipated pin and poster during the Old Spanish Days Annual La Primavera Celebration.
The evening event took place at the Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Art Museum at 7:00 p.m. and featured Spanish libations and dining.
The 2017 Fiesta pin is composed of an elegant rose surrounded by a red border to play an important role in this year’s theme: “Unity Through Community.”
“Roses are such important elements of our Fiestas,” said La Presidenta Henderson, “as ladies both young and old frequently add a rose to their hair to round out their Fiesta outfits. And to me the rose is also a special way to honor our Fiesta Flower Girls, the official ambassadors of Old Spanish Days Fiesta, a fabulous program I had the privilege of chairing for many years.”
Likewise, the official poster featured a depiction of early California community life in front of the Old Mission Santa Barbara. The poster is based on original artwork titled “Gathering for Fiesta” by Nicholas S. Firfires who passed away in 1990.
Firfires painting had been in private collection with John and Lauren Mullins who were close friends of the artist.
“When I saw this lovely piece of art, it truly was the image of Unity through Community,” said La Presidente Henderson. “I am incredibly thankful to John and Lauren for sharing it with our community as a part of our official Fiesta poster.”
This year’s La Primavera theme was, “An Evening in Spain.”
The program also featured a Flamenco Show and the first performances of Spirit of Fiesta Norma Escárcega and Junior Spirit of Fiesta Eve Flores.
La Primavera also saw a wonderful performance by nine past Spirit of Fiestas organized by Linda Vega and Daniela Zermeño. Five local Flamenco studios were represented in the performance bringing to life the spirit of this year’s theme.
Old Spanish Days Fiesta is one of the country’s largest regional festivals and has been an important historic and economic element of the Santa Barbara community since 1924.
This year’s Fiesta will take place from August 2-6, 2017. For more information, visit https://www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org.
