The Old Spanish Days’ 2025 El Desfile Histórico Draws Thousands to See Santa Barbara’s Treasured Event
Alissa Orozco
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – For its 101st year, El Desfile Histórico celebrated Santa Barbara with the most popular event of the city for many residents.
This parade made its way down Cabrillo Boulevard at noon under warm summertime conditions with a back drop of the ocean and palm trees.
It is one of the nation’s largest equestrian parades with over 400 horses.
There were 58 entries and 27 historic carriages.
It captivated the eyes of thousands of spectators, many that came hours in advance and secured their best viewing spots.
Every few moments, starting with the flower girls, you could hear the cheer “Viva la Fiesta!”
Fiesta began in 1924.
Drew Wakefield, one of the most vocal participants shouted from a carriage, “a great, a magnificent, incredible day. Viva la Fiesta! Fiesta Friday, Old Spanish Days.”
Generations have enjoyed this blend of the Spanish, Mexican, Religious, Indigenous and Ranchero history.
Steve Golis, a local commercial realtor and lifelong horse back rider, said, “it is my 30th year, it is the best.”
Gary Simpson the owner of the ACE Home Improvement Center and sponsor rode in a carriage and said, “Viva la Fiesta Capture the Spirit !” That was this year’s theme. “This is the most incredible thing ever. What a crowd, What a day.”
Teresa Kuskey, a former Saint Barbara for the parade, said, “this is the way to show love and joy and the spirit of Santa Barbara and community, like these types of events.”
Riders came from hundreds of miles away to showcase their skills. There were horses most spectators have never seen up close.
Many of those who grew up in Santa Barbara or left and came back say this parade and the Fiesta spirit runs deep in their family.
Renee Vargas was in a Fiesta dress saying, “I used to be in the children’s parade, and my parents, grandparents were born from here. It is something I undertake every year.”
Within its presentation of historic carriages and traditions it is a storyline of Santa Barbara.
Jean Michel Cousteau was a former Grand Marshal. He said, “it is an emotional experience that everybody needs to experience because it goes to your heart. It never goes away!”
There’s no shortage of fun at this event with cheering, waving, some horns, and flying confetti.
Angelica Martin let loose a secret. “Don’t tell my husband, but some of our city fire department, when they come out, they spray everybody (with a hose). It’s so fun and interactive. And I get to see the kids get out there. That’s the best part.”
About that time, firefighters came down with a splash of water towards the crowd with small extinguishers. They also hooked up a big hose for a tall shot in the air that send a spray across the crowd.
Keith Strauss was sitting on the edge of the parade route. He said, “it was great. I mean, what else could you imagine besides the confetti?” And handfuls of confetti were being tossed.
For someone who is here from halfway around the world it was a visit she will never forget.
Jo-ann Roots is from South Africa and said, “we do not have Old Spanish Days in South Africa, so I’m enjoying this very much. The tradition, the outfits, the culture, it’s amazing.”
News Channel’s Beth Farnsworth, John Palminteri, CJ Ward, Ivania Montes, Evan Vega, Mike Klan, and Scott Hennessee were all live from the parade as part of the televised broadcast.
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