Spirit of Fiesta Tara Mata reflects on her year as she gets set for her final dance 

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -  The 2022 Spirit of Fiesta Tara Mata says she has enjoyed the honor and opportunities to the fullest. That includes a visit to see some of the top dancers in the world.

After all the duties surrounding Old Spanish Days prior to and during Fiesta last August, she has continued to embrace the prestigious position in many ways.

"I've been dreaming of becoming the Spirit of fiesta since my first Fiesta and to know that I have grown into who I am today, I think I would make my little five year old self proud," said Mata.

In her memories of the past year, it was the appearances, large and small. Mata said, "all the amazing  of performances such as  La Fiesta Pequena,  Noches de Ronda all of those were such amazing events to perform at and  I love seeing the community come out  I think that is what makes Fiesta special."

Recently during a Thursday block party event downtown, she was back at it, performing in front of a large group alone and with the Junior Spirit Layla Gocong. "I hope that  we can continue on that tradition of having dances even on the streets. It's really important that we stay involved in the community," said Mata.

The title has allowed her to go with a special donation to Spain and see world-class Flamenco performances and take personalized instruction. She shared some of her time in Madrid on social media. Mata said, "I was really able to hone my technique in and I ended up with two seven minute dances in total. I was able to attend the shows later at night, it was absolutely amazing and I hope to bring what I learned there  to Santa Barbara. "

  Dancing may be how most of us know Tara Mata, but she is also a third year college student pursuing a degree in Biology.  With her high personal goals in many areas, her dancing shoes and outfits are never far away from her books. "I definitely plan on dancing the rest of my life, it is a lifelong journey," said Mata.

This weekend, the final dance will take place for Mata.  It will be on stage at the Lobero Theatre as part of the competition to pick the 2023 Spirit and Junior Spirit.   The event will have over 600 people in the audience.  (It will also be streaming on Newschannel 3-12 at www.keyt.com )