Fiesta Opening Night Photos

By Robert Bernstein

Fiesta opening night was full of energy as thousands packed the Mission Lawn and the Rose Garden to watch Fiesta Pequena!

Here are all of my photos!

A mariachi band played and children in colorful outfits posed on the Mission steps as the crowd gathered for the 8PM start

Father John, Father Larry and Beth Farnsworth welcomed the crowd to the event:

Beth Farnsworth was adorned with a flowing Fiesta outfit

Groupo Danza de Quatzatcoatl led off the performances

As the children on the steps cheered

Then came Contra Tiempo Flamenco performing Air de Libertad

Then Sahagun Dance Group doing Gota Fria

Tenor Eduardo Villa sang “Granada”

La Presidente introduced the 2017 Spirit of Fiesta

Who danced with a variety of passionate expressions and poses

Bell Arts performed Las Amarillas

Cruz Dance and Entertainment performed Corazon Furioso

Josue Hernandez sang Mexicano en America

Garcia Dance Studio performed Seguiriya with tassels flying

Santa Barbara/Goleta native Robin Hill Cederlof played the part of Saint Barbara

And Mayor Helene Schneider wore a lovely Fiesta dress for the occasion

Linda Vega and her Linda Vega Dance Studio performed Las Gitanas de Vega (Gypies)

Grupo Folklorico de West LA was up next with El Ausente

Special thanks to Alexandra, originally of Guadalajara, whose cousin was performing in one of the groups. She gave me a ticket to the prime viewing area!

2017 Junior Spirit appeared next and it was hard to believe she is just ten years old

After taking in this wonderful sampling of all of the Fiesta events yet to come, we headed down to De La Guerra Plaza to sample some brownies and strawberries for dessert!

Alastair Greene Band performed on stage

And the crowd danced and enjoyed the music

And the markets were open late for business for Fiesta outfits and more!

A great way to kick off the start of Fiesta!