On May 20, about 350 enthusiastic guests gathered at the Carriage and Western Art Museum for La Primavera, the traditional kick-off celebration for Old Spanish Days Fiesta. Clad in elegant Old Spanish Days dresses and suits, they mingled inside and on the scenic museum grounds encircled by vintage carriages.
The program featured a mix of exciting announcements, interesting stories, and stunning dance performances. A succulent Andalusian-themed dinner featuring seafood paella was served concurrently under the stars. La Presidente Rhonda Henderson explained that her choice of this year’s theme, Unity through Community, was in part a tribute to late Father Virgil Cordano of the Old Mission Santa Barbara, who was an active member of the Old Spanish Days board for 45 years. “Unity through Community” was a saying of his, and one he celebrated in his life.
Henderson unveiled this year’s official poster, which features the painting, “Gathering for Fiesta” by Nicholas Firfires (1919-1990) depicting a lively scene on the grounds of the Old Mission Santa Barbara and which, according to Henderson, truly is the image of this year’s theme. It is part of the private collection of John and Lauren Mullins. Henderson also unveiled the official 2017 pin, which is a pink rose with a red border designed by Jon Patrick Hyde. The choice was based on the prevalence of roses in women’s hair during Fiesta, and as a tribute to some of the hardest working volunteers of Old Spanish Days, the flower girls.