Santa Barbara Fiesta Shines Through Uncertainty Following Immigration Raids
Patricia Martellotti
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Old Spanish Days Fiesta is once again filling Santa Barbara with color, music, and tradition. But this year, the celebration is unfolding under the shadow of fear, following recent immigration raids.
In the wake of federal ICE operations at cannabis farms in Carpinteria that resulted in dozens of detentions, residents across Santa Barbara are reacting in different ways. Some families are choosing to stay home, while others say this moment calls for deeper commitment to culture, community, and resilience.
Young dancers like 8-year-old Giovanna Gonzalez-Figueroa are helping carry on the century-old tradition.
“I’m excited because I like being on the stage and I like dancing,” said Gonzalez-Figueroa, who performs with Alma de Mexico.
Her fellow dancer, Natalia Escobedo, said Fiesta plays an important role in cultural education.
“It’s special because it teaches a lot of people about our culture,” Escobedo said.
But behind the vibrant performances, food, and fanfare, some say there’s a quiet anxiety surrounding this year’s events.
“For the first time ever, I’m thinking twice and looking over my shoulder,” said one community member at a recent town hall.
Santa Barbara County Supervisor Roy Lee said the ICE raids have had a chilling effect on both immigrant families and the local business sector.
“Their actions are tearing our community and business sector apart,” Lee said. “This is the first time, as an immigrant, I do not feel safe.”
That fear has already impacted Fiesta. One downtown carnival was canceled out of precaution.
“Turning a profit as a nonprofit in this environment felt too risky,” said Mark Alvarado, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club.
Still, El Presidente Fritz Olenberger said he does not expect the festival itself to be disrupted.
“Raiding a marijuana farm is quite different from raiding a 101-year-old festival,” he said. “I just don’t see that happening.”
Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse said Fiesta remains a proud part of the city’s identity.
“I think it’s important that we carry on because I think it’s important we remain in Santa Barbara,” Rowse said. “We put the best face on as we can and we’ll do what we can to help our people and assist people that need it.”
Santa Barbara Police Chief Kelly Gordon emphasized that public safety is a top priority and urged community members to report concerns without fear.
“Make sure that everyone knows we are here to make sure you feel comfortable making a report regardless of your immigration status,” Gordon said. “That is our function.”
Some local advocates, however, are calling for Fiesta to be scaled back out of respect for the community’s concerns.
“Reparations need to be made, and the Chumash community here has opposed it,” said Primitiva Hernandez, executive director of 805 Undocufund.
Meanwhile, families are finding quiet ways to ensure their children can still participate—even if parents are too fearful to attend in person.
“We’ve offered to help the moms take their kids, team up, rideshare—make it easier on them,” said Liz Escobedo, whose daughter also dances with Alma de Mexico. “But it is difficult for those parents to not be able to join their daughters to see them perform.”
Even longtime cascarónes maker Henry Mendez is scaling back this year.
“We’ve been doing this with my mom for many years,” Mendez said. “But we’re kind of concerned about not being in the wrong spot at the wrong time.”
Despite that concern, Mendez and his family still produced around 400 decorative eggs for the celebration—down from past years.
“I’m not gonna make my mom think about not doing it,” he said. “I want my mom to keep doing that.”
For many, Fiesta is about more than just celebration. It’s about identity, tradition, and joy in the face of adversity.
And while law enforcement monitors security concerns, those taking part in this year’s events say they remain focused on preserving the spirit of Fiesta and the connections it fosters.