Santa Barbara's Old Spanish Days

Viva la fiesta! It doesn't get any more showy than a stock horse show in Santa Barbara, California.

For those of you who don't know, Santa Barbara's pretty dreamy! Located on the golden coast, this city is filled with Mediterranean-style stucco buildings and red-tile roofs that reflects it's Spanish colonial heritage.

Santa Barbara also honors it's heritage through their annual Fiesta! The week long Old Spanish Days features so many events—a stock horse show and rodeo being one of them!

There is so much beauty behind this event! Fiesta Days started in 1924 as a “competencia de vaqueros” when cowboys from surrounding ranches gathered to show their roping, riding, and young horses they were training. You can read more about the history of the Fiesta Stock Horse show here!

With the addition of rodeo to the mix, it truly is a fiesta at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. From mutton busting, to team penning, to all sorts of show classes—Santa Barbara's Old Spanish Days hosts all the fun. Fiesta has even hosted women's bronc riding match in the past!

Modern vaqueros and vaqueras make an appearance to show off their trick roping skills!

The streets of Santa Barbara light up with confetti and cheer when the fiesta spirit comes is celebrated for the week! You can read about the history of Santa Barbara's Old Spanish Days beyond the stock horse show and rodeo here!

Even though this year looks a little different, the Fiesta Stock Horse Show and Rodeo is truly an event rooted in tradition and heritage. Learn more on their website here!