TABLAO DEL MUSEO: Perfect Prelude to 100th Celebration of Old Spanish Days Fiesta

The 2024 museum gathering of Old Spanish Days Fiesta board members, museum members and invited guests mingled and sipped glasses of pre-performance wine in the courtyard while savoring tapas and sweet trays, where attendees were joyfully sharing their excitement to once again have the opportunity to experience Tablao Del Museo, especially just prior to the Old Spanish Days Fiesta’s Centennial.

2024 El Presidente Brian Schwabecher shared that this event is always a favorite of locals who have a genuine love of Old Spanish Days Fiesta and its history. After hearing just a few exciting details on the upcoming Old Spanish Days La Fiesta Pequena program from Past Presidente Director Rhonda Henderson I will be rushing to the Old Mission to save myself a seat.

Dacia Harwood, Director of the Santa Barbara Historical Museum opened the program with Tablo Del Museo introductions and a few words on Viva! the current exhibition which opened July 13 to run through November 1, 2024, featuring a historic journey through Old Spanish Days Fiesta from 1924-2024 showcasing historic posters, photographs, documents, costumes from the Museum’s extensive collection and a film of an early parade. The exhibit is open 12-5 Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Also open 12-8 pm on Thursday with performances that evening from 5:30-6:30 pm. Admission is free.

Maria ‘La Chacha’ Bermudez, one of the most renowned flamenco artists of our time who was named “Ambassador of Flamenco” by her adopted home of Jerez de la Frontera, Spain in 2022 was the Artistic Director for the evening. The performers of Tablao Del Museo included Jose Cortes, Pepele Mendez, Diego “El Negro” Alvarez, Melissa Cruz, Carlos Menchaca, Alex Jordan, Kambiz Pakan, Talia Vestal along with members of the Flamenco! Santa Barbara, a non-profit dedicated to bringing authentic experiences to our community through performances, outreach, live music, and tuition assistance, and was presented in collaboration with Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

The performances were so inspiring and are always a love affair between the performers and the attentive audience, including this local Flamenco devotee. I was also very pleased to see our 2023 Spirit Jack Harwood, son of Dacia and Reilly Harwood performing again with Flamenco! Santa Barbara.

Many thanks to all! It was a beautiful evening at the museum, filled with amazing Old Spanish Days Fiesta History, fabulous Flamenco dancing and music beneath a gorgeous full moon, and an enjoyable time with friends. It’s understandable why everyone looks forward with great anticipation to Tablo Del Museo at Santa Barbara Historical Museum. For Viva! exhibition information visit sbhistoricalmuseum.org. For Old Spanish Days Fiesta schedule visit: www.sbfiesta.org.