El Presidente David Bolton and Mayor Rowse announce the 2023 Fiesta theme with Old Spanish Days board members, city officials and members of local folkloric group Alma de Mexico.
By Bonnie Carroll (Photos unless indicated by Bonnie Carroll)
It was a spirited gathering Monday morning on the steps of the Santa Barbara City Hall where 2023 El Presidente David Bolton, joined by Mayor Randy Rowse, announced the detailed plans for the upcoming Old Spanish Days Fiesta 2023.
“Fiesta means so much more than merely a party -- it’s about celebrating, it’s about family, friends, neighbors and colleagues,” said Bolton during his morning announcement, where the steps of Santa Barbara City Hall was covered with a red carpet and board members, dignitaries, past El Presidentes. Fiesta performers joined together to share the exciting theme for this year’s Fiesta, along with a bevy of positive event changes our residents and friends of Fiesta may expect for 2023.
“Our organization, the City of Santa Barbara, and our collaborating partners endeavor throughout each year to ensure a safe and memorable Fiesta,” said Bolton. “We are looking forward to yet another great and memorable 2023 Fiesta.
We are very pleased to announce our continuing partnership with Old Spanish Days,” said Mayor Randy Rowse. “Old Spanish Days represents our most honored and treasured tradition. The dancers, food, music, horses, costumes, and crowds make this community a unique national event that visitors from around the world and proud area residents look forward to.
The revered historical history of Cabrillo Boulevard makes it the perfect stretch for this community parade, not only an important historic area to the Chumash, but latter it was the route of Spaniard Gaspar de Portola in 1769, and a beautiful stretch named after Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo whose ship the San Salvador traveled through our channel in 1542.
2023 Fiesta Parade will again be on Cabrillo Boulevard
According to Fiesta officials the Friday historic parade, El Desfile Historico, will return to Cabrillo Boulevard with an extended route from Cabrillo to Milpas; a full Mercado and carnival that has been given the green light to return to its historic roots at the beach, as well as additional traditional events. Our favorite events including Fiesta Pequena, Rodeo, Noches de Ronda are all confirmed for this year’s Fiesta 2023.
The Mercado De La Guerra in downtown will featuring Spanish and Mexican-American food, vendors and entertainment in the hub of the city providing a platform for area businesses and local non-profits to generate important operating revenue. Live musical entertainment and shopping for crafts and souvenirs are what make it such a special place to showcase our local non-profits and businesses who reside in Santa Barbara. For 2023 a full size replica of Cabrillo’s ship The San Salvador (photo: SDMM) will visit our harbor during Fiesta weekend, offering tours to the community. The ship is traveling from its home at the San Diego Maritime Museum for this special Fiesta visit—a collaboration between Old Spanish Days and the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.
Also continuing to be free events to the public are 2023 Fiesta Pequena on the steps of the Old Mission, and Noches de Ronda offering three evenings at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Garden. Along with music and dancers of all ages Fiesta 2023 will also include an arts and crafts show, the Fiesta Rodeo, and various dancing performances. Additional programs of interest include La Primavera on May 13 at El Paseo Restaurant, Goleta’s Fiesta Ranchera, Dignitarios at the Zoo, and La Reception del Presidente.
Dancers from Fiesta Pequena 2022 at the Old Mission
Fiesta will be held August 2-6, with additional events beginning in April. All events are open to the public—something that is very important to Old Spanish Days. All of this is possible thanks to Fiesta sponsors and collaborative partners who are committed to the 99-year tradition that has been recognized in past times as the largest horse parade in the world by tourists, writers, and photographers who travel to experience its uniqueness.
Spirit of Fiesta audition on Saturday, April 15 at the historic Lobero Theatre will be the Kick-off for Fiesta 2023. Tickets will be on sale at the Lobero box office beginning March 8. For additional information about Fiesta 2023, to purchase tickets, or to sign up as a Fiesta volunteer, please visit:
La Presidente Maria Cabrera, David Bolton Fiesta Primer Vice Presidente, Brian Schwabecher Fiesta Segundo Vice Presidente, Mayor Randy Rowse, Robin Elander of the Downtown Organization, Dacia Harwood (Director SB Historical Museum), Janice Howell (OSD Division Chief, Celebration), Patricia Orena (OSD Division Chief, Dance and Entertainment), Marge Romero (OSD Division Chief, Mercados), Isis Wills (Co-Chair Mercado del Norte), Tony Miller (OSD Division Chief, Pageantry), Diana Vandervoort (Chair Noches de Ronda), Judith McCaffrey (Chair Fiesta Pequena), Tara Mata (2022 Spirit of Fiesta), Layla Gocong (2022 Junior Spirit of Fiesta), and Lyn Kirst (2022 Saint Barbara).
WELL BEING OF CHILDREN DURING COVID AND NUROVIRUS EPIDEMICS
Apart from the usual cough and fever, COVID-19 can present with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea - which are similar to that of a stomach infection. While most COVID-19 patients experience respiratory symptoms, studies show that children may only experience gastrointestinal symptoms while infected with the coronavirus.
How can parents tell the difference when it comes to the wellbeing of their children? Dr. Ruth Kanthula, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist at MedStar Health shares the information below:
>> How common are gastrointestinal symptoms when children get infected with COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 typically develop symptoms such as a cough, fever, wheezing and shortness of breath. However, studies have reported patients experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms at different frequencies. Diarrhea and vomiting are the most reported GI symptoms and often present themselves before a cough or fever.
>> Can children experience GI symptoms during COVID-19 without any respiratory symptoms?
The answer is yes. Children may be infected with the coronavirus and only experience GI symptoms. In fact, a study on COVID-19 and the gastrointestinal tract in children found that 10% of children diagnosed with COVID-19 had only reported the presence of GI symptoms.
>> Are children more likely to get these symptoms than adults?
Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports have suggested that the presence of GI symptoms are more common in children than in adults. But the frequency and clinical outcomes of these gastrointestinal symptoms in children remains unknown.
>> How are stomach viruses different from COVID-19?
Doctors are still learning about the clinical symptoms associated with COVID-19. There is a small number of viruses that account for most cases of acute gastroenteritis in children, including rotavirus, adenovirus, norovirus, and astrovirus. There have been reports that children infected with other strains of the coronavirus may experience symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. However, the clinical symptoms caused by these viruses are indistinguishable.
>> When is it necessary to get COVID test if your child has GI symptoms?
Given that GI symptoms may be the first sign of COVID-19 in children, it is recommended to get tested for the coronavirus as soon as GI symptoms appear - rather than waiting for more common symptoms like cough or fever.
>> How can you treat gastroenteritis symptoms associated with COVID-19?
Supportive care for gastroenteritis includes drinking plenty of fluids and treating with fever reducing medications if necessary. If your child is dehydrated, has severe abdominal pain or has blood in their stool, you should consult your doctor for other treatment options.
>> How can parents prevent the spread of infection in children?
It is recommended that children ages 5 years and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against the coronavirus. Hand washing is especially important if children are getting contact with someone who is experiencing gastroenteritis associated with a COVID-19 infection - as scientists have detected the virus in the stool of patients infected with COVID-19. Other preventive measures include wearing a mask for children aged two and up.
YOUNG SANTA BARBARA RESIDENT ARTISTS & POETS SHOWCASE
THE 2023 THEME:
“Peace by Piece: Food Security In My Community”
The Artists Showcase is a continuing effort to further engage youth with the Santa Barbara Sister Cities.
For the last 34 years Sister Cities International (SCI) has sponsored an annual young artist showcase, encouraging youth from around the globe to express the mission of SCI through original artwork.Sister Cities International aims to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation – one individual; one community at a time showcases the importance of travel and exchange in achieving peace.
Theme:Peace by Piece: Food Security in My Community: The young artists & poets showcase encourages youth and member communities to submit innovative, thoughtful, and impactful creations that emphasize various aspects of food security including the impact ofclimate change on food production and food consuption, in their own communities. Poetry must not exceed 200 words - Submissions must be in English.
Artists must be between 13 and 18 years of age.The deadline to submit artwork is March 21, 2022.All entries must meet the criteria and guidelines listed below:
·Media accepted in this category include oil, acrylic, watercolor, charcoal, colored pencil, crayon, ink, marker, etching, collage, etc.
·Only two-dimensional (2D), unframed and no larger than 24 in. x 36 in. artwork will be accepted.
·Use of copyrighted or trademarked images is prohibited.
·All entries must be original and conform to Sister Cities International’s policy on plagiarism.
PRIZES:1st Place Winner - $250* 2nd Place Winner - $150 * 3rd Place Winner - $100
Please make arrangements to deliver your entry to Garcia Architects, 122 E. Arrellaga St. Judging will take place on April 22, 2023 from 2-4 p.m. at 2215 Santa Barbara St. All artists are invited to attend. Questions:Gil Garcia (805) 689-2588 or gil@gilgarcia-aia.com
We encourage our youth to be creative and examine all aspects of this year’s theme, including;
What does food security mean to you?
·How does your culture value food security in your community?
·How has your community been affected by food security during floods, fires and the recent pandemic?
·How can you, as a future leader contribute to the solution?
Important Note
When describing artwork in the application form, students are encouraged to discuss how their local communities and/or international cities are approaching this year’s theme. Students can talk about collaborative efforts between communities, give project examples, or explore areas of potential cooperation within the food security community. Descriptive paragraphs should be written by the student.
platform for area businesses and local non-profits to generate important operating revenue. Live musical entertainment and shopping for crafts and souvenirs are what make it such a special place to showcase our local non-profits and businesses who reside in Santa Barbara. For 2023 a full size replica of Cabrillo’s ship The San Salvador (1).jpg)
.jpg)
