La Fiesta Pequeña shines at Old Mission Santa Barbara
Tracy Lehr
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – La Fiesta Pequeña, or “Little Fiesta,” brought generations together Wednesday night at the steps of the Old Mission.
Thousands of people gathered with blankets and lawn chairs to celebrate the rich cultural traditions tied to Santa Barbara and the Central Coast.
El Presidente Fritz Olenberger sat in the front row, surrounded by out-of-town family. For the first time in more than a decade, the former Old Spanish Days photographer experienced the evening without his cameras.
“It’s one of my favorites. I love the dancing—as a photographer for 15 years, the dancing was everything—and I absolutely love it,” said Olenberger.
Thanks to the work of talented seamstresses, dancers dazzled in unique, hand-crafted costumes. Behind each routine were proud dance instructors, including flamenco sensation Timo Nuñez of Timo Nuñez Arte Flamenco.
“To have both the Junior Spirit and Junior Spirit Runner-Up this year has been huge for us,” said Nuñez. “But I have to give credit where it’s due—I inherited a beautiful studio that began with Linda Vega and continued with Maria Bermudez.”
“It’s such an honor,” said Junior Spirit Victoria Plascencia. “I’m so happy I got to be his first junior. I love Timo so much.”
But La Fiesta Pequeña isn’t a competition.
On this night, everyone shines—on stage, in the crowd, and behind the scenes, including our own News Channel team broadcasting it live.
La Fiesta Pequeña marks the first of many Old Spanish Days events that Fiesta fans won’t want to miss.
You will find a link to all the information at https://www.sbfiesta.org
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