The traditional celebration of Santa Barbara's Old Spanish Days may not be happening this year due to the pandemic, but community members can still keep the spirit alive.
Organizers of Old Spanish Days are encouraging people to participate in "Operation Light up your Fiesta Spirit" by hanging lights at their homes and businesses.
"Operation ‘Light up your Fiesta Spirit’ is just one way to honor our beloved festival while bringing joy and solidarity into our neighborhoods,” said Erik Davis. El Presidente of Old Spanish Days Board of Directors. “We hope seeing the colors and symbols of Fiesta remind the community that we’re all in this together and that there are better days ahead. Hope, joy and optimism have always been a big part of this re-imagined Fiesta. Please join us and Light up your Fiesta Spirit Santa Barbara!”
The theme of this year’s Fiesta is “¡Vamos a Bailar!”, in English, “Let’s Dance!”.
Out of safety and health precautions, the Fiesta 2020 will be held virtually.
Official 2020 Fiesta posters and pins are available at Viva Santa Barbara in the Paseo Nuevo Mall, the Santa Barbara Historical Museum and the Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center.
Fiesta banners and flags can also be purchased from the Carpinteria Flag Factory.
You can purchase merchandise including 2020 t-shirts, posters and pins on the Old Spanish Days website.
Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring and preserving Santa Barbara’s history, spirit, culture, heritage and traditions.
