Welcome to Old Spanish Days
VIVA LA FAMILIA
Bienvenidos Amigos,
It is my great honor and privilege to welcome everyone in celebrating our city’s rich cultural history and traditions. Our city is built on rich traditions, and as we are embraced by the natural beauty of the ocean and mountains, our city and Old Spanish Days Fiesta opens their arms in hospitality for all to enjoy.
Fiesta is a family celebration for everyone and one I hold very near and dear. For years, my grandfather Yldefonso “Poncho” and my grandmother Flora Osuna, welcomed family, friends, locals and visitors to gather together in the true tradition of Mi Casa es su Casa – My Home is your Home— to celebrate and enjoy each others company. Similar gatherings continue to take place throughout our community, as had been done in the early days of the California Ranchos.
Like my family, many longtime Santa Barbara families dating back more than a century also cultivated deep roots in the community where they continue to nurture the generations that come. Santa Barbarans are proud of where they come from and are honored to represent the deep-seated local and historical family lineages.
My theme this year captures that spirit - “Viva La Familia” (Long live the family). It celebrates not only my extended family, but it also symbolizes the greater sense of our community as being a unified Santa Barbara family. As I get my dedication and strength from family and the traditions passed down, we all must educate, celebrate and continue long standing traditions.
Numerous dancers who have made our stages come alive are also passing on family traditions to their future generations. Many dance studio directors learned from legendary dancer Jose Manero and have passed on his memory through the dancers they’ve trained. You will also find several familial generations working in the Mercado booths, participating in the parade or volunteering their time serving the community.
Let us gather to celebrate family. Invite your family, friends, locals and visitors to join our community family as the bells of Old Mission Santa Barbara ring in our 88th year of Old Spanish Days Fiesta. Enjoy five memorable days as we kick off under the full August moon at La Fiesta Pequena. Come taste the flavors at the Mercados featuring local non-profits; watch the daily performances at Las Noches de Ronda in the beautiful Courthouse sunken gardens; experience El Desfile Histórico, one of the largest equestrian parades in the United States, enjoy the thrills at the Rodeo; and visit the Arts and Crafts show along our beautiful Santa Barbara coastline. Join me in celebrating the spirit and pageantry of Santa Barbara’s hospitality.
Que Viva La Familia y Viva La Fiesta
Ricardo Castellanos
El Presidente 2012
