Get to know 2017 Spirit of Fiesta Norma Escarcega

The Spirit of Fiesta represents the charm and beauty of Old Spanish Days, and there’s no one better to take on this monumental task than Norma Escarcega, your 2017 Spirit of Fiesta.

Norma, the young lady enrolled in AP and honors classes before graduating from San Marcos High School, was selected as the Spirit of Fiesta among 10 other dancers.

Norma began her journey in Flamenco dancing at about three years old when her mother signed her up for dance classes, and since then, her passion for Flamenco dancing has grown more and more with each passing Fiesta.

“Flamenco has allowed me not only to express myself, but become a better dancer…it’s just an enjoyable sport,” says Norma.

Norma quite often wakes up at 8 a.m. to start her day as Spirit of Fiesta–attending and dancing at events, greeting sponsors and the press, and yes, still get to her dancing classes on time.

There’s not much the teen dislikes in life, but she did tell me she is not a fan of pickles. She will be attending Santa Barbara City College in the fall and hopes to one day become a probation officer.

Norma looks forward to performing in front of a large audience from the steps of the Old Mission Santa Barbara at Fiesta Pequena August 2, 2017.

“More than anything I’m looking forward to just sharing my passion and sharing what I truly love to do with my community, and influencing the youth and allowing them to pursue what they love to do, whether it be dance or any other talent that they have–to pursue that–and don’t give up on their dreams because anything is possible,” stated Norma.

Catch Norma’s performances throughout Fiesta. For more information, visit https://www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org.