Santa Barbara Locals Cope with ICE Raid Fears Through Faith, Dance, and Fiesta
Mina Wahab
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — It’s a tradition that’s been around for more than a century.
“It’s really the spirit of love. The spirit of God. You know? What is it? I don’t think you can put words on it, but you know it when you feel it. You know it’s real,” said Father Larry Gosselin.
But this year, Old Spanish Days feels a little different.
In light of recent ICE raids up and down the Central Coast, many have been staying home out of fear of deportation — casting a shadow over Santa Barbara’s annual Fiesta tradition.
“I’m grateful our business has been busy, but I feel that it’s different than what it was before. There’s a lot of fear that gets spread, and then it affects everybody negatively. And then there are a lot of really bad things happening that justify the fear,” said Relaxation Tea owner Vanessa Fayad.
The owners of Relaxation Tea say they cope with these tense political times by staying busy and focused.
“I’m blessed enough to be able to be out here without being scared. So I try to take advantage of those moments,” Fayad added.
“The way I cope with it is by staying very busy. I stay motivated with my business and just kind of focus on that,” said Juan Vega, co-owner of Relaxation Tea.
Others — like Veronica Plascencia — turn to their faith.
“Jesus will always be with us. Just pray from the heart and everything will be fine.” said Plascencia in Spanish.
She incorporated this message of reassurance into her handmade cascarónes — one featuring an enthusiastic Jesus by a palm tree, and another honoring her niece — the Junior Spirit of Fiesta.
“I don’t know what to say,” her niece said, reacting to the colorful creation.
The Junior Spirit of Fiesta, Victoria Plascencia, says representing her community has been a dream come true.
“It feels so fun because I get to be with my friends at the studio. We get to hang out. And being on stage is fun because you love doing it — and they love you doing it,” said Victoria.
The Spirit of Fiesta, Natalia Trevino, says she overcomes the heaviness of the moment through her passion for dance.
“You know, there are challenges, but I just want to dance for my community. Fiesta brings people together, and that’s what’s so special about Santa Barbara,” said Trevino.
Old Spanish Days has now completed its 101st year — and locals say it’s here to stay.
“We want to celebrate that love and that unity. And we need that so much in our world today,” said Father Larry Gosselin.