Placeholder text
Fiesta : The Celebration of Old Spanish Days, Santa Barbara, California
Fiesta : The Celebration of Old Spanish Days, Santa Barbara, California
0 - Default Title
Description
Foreword, by Old Spanish Days Old Spanish Days Fiesta traces its roots back to the turn of the 20th century when a number of old-time families of Santa Barbara were looking for opportunities to perform and preserve the unique Spanish California songs and dances of the century prior. They missed the warm hospitality and intimate feeling of the Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara--before the arrival of the Yankees--and the transition from a sleepy, little pueblo to a bustling, American, small town. In the year 1924, two circumstances motivated the first Fiesta. Initially, there was a motion that the City of Santa Barbara should have an annual, summer event to attract and entertain visitors. Secondly, when the Community Arts Association determined that the Lobero Theatre would be ready for its grand opening in August 1924, they called for a meeting to arrange for the celebration. The group formulated plans, designing a number of activities, including: a parade, a rodeo, family activities, musical events, and, of course, a gala celebration at the theater filled with Spanish dancing on its opening night. As preparations were underway for this community spectacular, Mayor Charles M. Andrea declared Fiesta week "one of festival and gaiety, during which period, which shall be known as 'Old Spanish Days,' the spirit of old Santa Barbara shall be lived again and again and the new Santa Barbara shall give way to the traditions of the city's founders", a time of homecoming for former residents and one of hospitality for guests. In 1925 the group of merchants who had formed the first official "Old Spanish Days" committee and members of the parade committee met under the leadership of Dwight Murphy and established the present non-profit corporation of Old Spanish Days In Santa Barbara, Inc. Murphy was elected president and thus became the first El Presidente. After the creation of a board of directors and an executive board, the group undertook plans for Fiesta 1925, with the consensus of all the members that the celebration should continue the plan of presenting California traditions as exemplified in Santa Barbara's own history. Nearly 90 years later, area residents and the Board of Directors, along with generous support from the City and County of Santa Barbara, continue to preserve and celebrate the traditions of historical Santa Barbara through Old Spanish Days Fiesta! As evidenced in this book, Old Spanish Days Fiesta is more than a five-day event in summer. The beautiful Spirit of Fiesta Auditions take place in early spring, followed by the official unveiling of the official poster and pin at La Primavera. Each June, the City of Goleta partners with Old Spanish Days for a magnificent celebration called Fiesta Ranchera. But as the summer moon rises over the Queen of the Missions for La Fiesta Pequeña, the official opening of Old Spanish Days, the real pageantry and spirit of the Festival begins. For the next five consecutive days, thousands of visitors from around the world descend upon Santa Barbara as the local community comes together to enjoy: spectacular dance, brilliant costumes, delicious foods in two mercados, arts and crafts, a stock horse show & rodeo, receptions, family activities, musical events, celebrations, ceremonies, and historic parades. So please enjoy this exquisite book of contemporary pictures from the last decade and remember the long history behind Santa Barbara's richest tradition, Old Spanish Days Fiesta. ¡Viva la Fiesta!
Product details
- Publication Date:
- 1656
- Languages:
- Published: English
- ISBN10:
- 0615608604
- Weight:
- 2268 g
Currently sold out