Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta returned last week with colorful parades, live music and a strong turnout at events across the city, but not everyone felt part of the celebration.
Organizers called this year’s Fiesta, held July 30 to Aug. 3, a success, citing packed mercados and a sold-out rodeo. Others who attended described a more complicated atmosphere.
“It’s far removed from the actual community that lives here,” said Andi Garcia, co-founder of the Ortega Park Steering Committee and a sixth-generation Santa Barbara resident. “It’s not about the local, it’s more about just the tourism.”…