Streets close down and construction begins for Santa Barbara’s largest Fiesta performance site
John Palminteri
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The transformation of downtown Santa Barbara’s main gathering spot into the hub of activities for Old Spanish Days has begun.
Parking restrictions for the next week are in place in De la Guerra Plaza in front of City Hall.
Volunteers and professional construction workers have arrived.
They are building booths and a stage for events taking place during Fiesta 2025 which begins Wednesday. A ribbon cutting is set for 11 a.m.
There will be at least 15 booths in the plaza and many more on the street between State Street and Anacapa Street.
Thousands of people come out for the events day and night. That includes many dancers from local programs along with the Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta.
There will also be a full lineup of music each day until 10 p.m. at night.
Across the street in Casa de la Guerra there will also be a stage and additional performances.
Old Spanish Days Division Chief Sean Malis said, “we interact with so many different contractors, vendors, the non profits in the plaza and the for profit vendors in the street.”
The set up goes smoothly when those taking part have some experience in the process. “It’s wonderful when we have a returning vendor that knows the drill, comes in here and sets up in a few hours and nails it.”
Elubia Orozco from Elubia’s Kitchen has been cooking on site for several years. She has a spot at the top of the plaza. “In advance, we started working yesterday Sunday. We set up and now we are moving all of the stuff we need for Wednesday.” She is also running a restaurant in Isla Vista and a food truck this week.
The food choices will include tortas, tacquitos, tacos, tamales, churros, papusas, hot dogs, corn on the cob and beverages.
There will be some standup tables in the center of the plaza and some others located in front of the steps of City Hall.
It has a community spirit on the site and with the additional entertainment in the Casa de la Guerra across the street.
There will also be vendors in the Storke Placita area between the plaza and State Street.