What began as a small horseback ride among friends has grown into a full-blown tradition that brings culture, faith, and family together for the Central Coast’s annual Elks Rodeo Parade.
José “Mundo” García Díaz is the founder and heart behind Cabalgata Guadalupana de la Costa Central, a riding group that honors Our Lady of Guadalupe through horseback processionals and parade performances. Now in their third year participating in the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Parade, the group is preparing to ride in with their largest lineup yet — about 40 dancing horses and a live banda.
WATCH: The story behind Cabalgata Guadalupana de la Costa Central
García Díaz, affectionately known as “Mundo,” told KSBY News reporter Crystal Bermudez in Spanish, “The idea came to me to organize a ride for Our Lady of Guadalupe. We gathered people from the ranch, made a banner, and rode through the streets. That’s how the group began.”
The group’s roots stretch back four years to a ranch in Nipomo. What started as a humble religious gesture quickly gained community interest. García Díaz soon invited more riders and eventually brought the tradition to larger events, like the rodeo and local parades.
Adeline Hernandez, García Díaz’s daughter, now coordinates the group.
“This would be our third year participating in the Elks Rodeo parade,” she said. “We have people who come from all over Santa Ynez, Lompoc, Nipomo, Paso. It’s a growing family,” she said.
The stars of the parade are the horses themselves, each trained to “dance” to the beat of banda music.
“The training is through repetition… and in the end, the horse starts to dance,” García Díaz said.
His son, Raymundo Garcia, helps care for the horses, which are showcased not just at the Elks Rodeo but at events throughout the region, including parades in Guadalupe and Santa Barbara.
“It’s very important here because like I said, it brings back some Mexican traditions from my dad’s homeland and it gives something to do on the weekend," he explained. "People can see having a horse is fun, but it’s also a lot of hard work.”
But for the García family, it’s about more than just performance.
“I’d rather my grandkids be on a horse than looking at a tablet all day,” García Díaz said.
The group will ride down Broadway again on Saturday, May 31, in the annual Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Parade. Attendees can expect live music, beautifully decorated trailers, and a celebration of culture that spans generations.
“Take pictures, say 'hi,'” Hernandez said. “We’re proud to represent our heritage in the parade.”
Once again this year, KSBY will be broadcasting the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Parade live starting at 10 a.m. on the Laff network, channel 6.2. A replay will air at 3 p.m. on KSBY.
