Celebration of old Spanish Days, Fiesta! - First celebrated in 1924, it all began when some local families got together to preform unique presentations of 19th century Spanish California. Local businesses also wanted to get in on the act to attract Tourists just like new Orleans and other cities such as the Rose Parade in Pasadena.

At the same time the Lobero theatre was openning, so a committe was gathered to think of ways to celebrate. Not only was the first Fiesta for the opening of the Theatre, but they also had in mind to make it an annual celebration to highlight and show off the singing and dancing of the local community.

In any case it’s going to be one big party throughout Santa Barbara. Not like it used to be in the old days, or unlike in the 1980′s when people walked around with Margaritas in hand, going from every bar and business in town while enjoying their Adult Beverages. The times are much more settled down these days.

There’s confetti everywhere, and don’t be surprised to have an egg-filled-with-confetti broken over your head. You’ll look very festive with all of that colored paper in  your hair! It’s a tradition going way back, where families save empty egg-shells and fill them with confetti and colorful wrapping, just for the purpose of breaking them over someones head!

Wikipedia sez: Cascarones or confetti eggs are festive, hollow chicken egg shells, filled with confetti, meant to be thrown or broken over someone’s head(usually as a surprise from behind), scattering confetti all over the person. Breaking the eggs over someone’s head can be painful if done hard enough, but since the eggshells are so brittle no one normally gets hurt. This tradition is most often carried out among friends and family. Cascarones derived from Mexico and have recently regained popularity in the southwestern United States. They are used for many different occasions but, especially Easter. Having one broken over your head is said to bring good luck.

There will be plenty of Spanish Style Good Eats too!  You can be taken on Courthouse Fiesta Tours Daily from 10am to 3pm for free, every half hour. There’ll be the Mercado de la Guerra ( Located just off State Street, Next to City Hall), where the Main Stage has lots of Flamenco, Spanish, Music – Both spanish and Current Rock Acts playing for the crowd…Not to Mention the Food Booths! With Carnitas (Fried Pork) Sandwiches, Birra (Goat Meat) Tacos, BBQ’d Corn and Ribs, and the list could go on and on!

There’ll be vendors selling many items like clothings with Spanish Appeal, Don’t forget to stop by the Massage Booth! Last year, $10.00 bor a 15 minute Deep Muscle Massage just takes away the pain from all of the walking you did! Look for them Next to City Hall! Hopefully they’ll be here again!

More info Soon – my fingers are tired! In the meanwhile visit the Official Old Spanish Days Website.