On Wednesday evening, the Franciscan Friars of Old Mission Santa Barbara warmly welcomed about 250 Old Spanish Days boardmembers, sponsors, and other fortunate souls to their traditional La Pequeña Dinner before the show in front of the Mission. The dinner was jointly sponsored by the Friars and Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara. It was held in the picturesque St. Francis Courtyard, which is rarely open to the public, and the guests clearly enjoying this very special evening.
Guardian of the Old Mission, John Hardin, OFM, and Executive Director Monica Orozco personally greeted each of the Fiesta-clad guests as they passed through the beautiful Mary’s Garden en route to the courtyard. During the reception, guests mingled while sipping sangria and other libations. From a terrace above, Father John gave a blessing before guests indulged in a delicious tri-tip and chicken dinner, generously provided at cost by Stanton’s Gourmet Catering, and enjoyed wine donated by Sunstone Vineyards and Winery.
The Friars have a long history with Fiesta Pequeña and Fiesta in general. They actually started Fiesta Pequeña back in 1927, and gradually transferred operations over the years to the nonprofit group, Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara. Father Virgil Cordano, longtime pastor at the Mission, was also a longtime honorary board member of Old Spanish Days and directed the Fiesta Pequeña operations for years.