Fiesta! Old Spanish Days Returns!

Now in its 99th year, Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara is a beloved Santa Barbara tradition since 1924 dedicated to honoring and preserving the city’s history, spirit, culture, heritage, and traditions. The annual five-day festival, called “Fiesta” by locals, takes place from August 2nd through the 6th, 2023.

Old Spanish Days Fiesta draws thousands of visitors to Santa Barbara each summer, with a variety of free family-friendly events and a handful of ticketed community events benefiting local charities and social service organizations. Between parades (including one of the world’s largest equestrian parades), carnivals, rodeos, music, dance performances, and more, Fiesta has many exciting events and activities for all ages.

For more information and details, view the Calendar of Events.

Old Spanish Days Fiesta Facebook Page

2023 El Presidente David Bolton and Primer Caballero Gonzalo Sarmiento and the 2023 Fiesta Poster

History of the Fiesta Poster prepared by Old Spanish Days historian & El Presidente David Bolton.

The first Old Spanish Days Fiesta poster was designed in 1924 by prominent artist Frederick A. Pawley.

El Presidente Bolton developed the elements and vision for the poster and then worked via phone and Zoom meetings with a pair of leading graphic designers from the Netherlands who he was introduced to by the Consul General of Tourism for Spain.   Fittingly, the lead designer of the poster is originally from Southern Spain’s Andalusia region where so much of the culture we celebrate during Fiesta has its roots. 

The 2023 poster is available for purchase for $20 on the Fiesta website at www.sbfiesta.org/shop.  Ten limited edition 2023 posters, printed on metal, will be part of a live auction during the La Primavera fundraiser at the historic Casa De La Guerra and El Paseo restaurant on May 13, 2023.