“Fiesta will look different this year”, said El Presidente Davis. “But we will do our very best to honor our history, maintain our traditions and celebrate our Santa Barbara story together. Viva la Fiesta.”

Wanting to put the health and safety of the community first, the Old Spanish Days board of directors has reimagined Fiesta 2020 by deciding to hold many of its events online, on television or in ways that allow safe physical distancing practices, while still promoting and encouraging participation from the community.

The theme of this year’s Fiesta is “¡Vamos a Bailar!”, in English, “Let’s Dance!” and is scheduled to take place August 5-9, 2020 at 19 venues city-wide.

One such event that has been reimagined is the beloved La Fiesta Pequeña, normally held on the steps of the historic and beautiful Santa Barbara Mission. This event will be transformed into a prime-time televised event airing on August 5 that will feature highlights from past La Fiesta Pequeña events and will include live commentary from hosts.

Along with the events planned for the week of Fiesta, Old Spanish Days has announced the lineup for Fiesta Music and Dance Fridays, a live-streamed concert series to keep with the “¡Vamos a Bailar!” theme to encourage our community to get up and dance even if it’s from your living room!

Audiences can watch the lineup of popular local bands by streaming to a Smart TV or on any device connected to the internet. In between sets, Old Spanish Days will bring forward local dance acts and history segments. Check out calendar below for the lineup:

• July 3rd - Area 51

• July 10th - Spencer the Gardner

• July 17th - False Puppet

• July 24th - King Bee

• July 31st - Mezcal Martini

Fiesta Music and Dance Fridays will be streamed for free every Friday in July from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on the Old Spanish Days Website, and on the Fiesta Facebook and YouTube pages. All concerts will be archived and will also be broadcast on TV Santa Barbara, community access channels 17 & 71.  

If you would like to support Old Spanish Days, please consider a tax deductible donation at www.sbfiesta.org/support or purchase items like the 2020 poster from the online store at www.sbfiesta.org/shop.  All proceeds benefit Old Spanish Days. 

Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation dedicated to honoring and preserving Santa Barbara’s history, spirit, culture, heritage and traditions.

If you would like to see more of this Elegant, Spanish Vineyard wedding photographed by Joseph Henry Photography, click HERE.