History Made at Spirit of Fiesta Auditions

By Old Spanish Days

An important Santa Barbara tradition continued as a sold-out crowd watched history being made at the Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta Auditions at the Lobero Theatre on Saturday. The audience was treated to incredible performances by 12 Spirit finalists and 10 Junior Spirit finalists.

At the end of the amazing show, for the first time ever, a male Spirit of Fiesta was selected. Jack Harwood,19, was chosen among the Spirit finalists as the 2023 Spirit of Fiesta and Olivia Nelson, 10, will serve as the 2023 Junior Spirit of Fiesta.

2023 El Presidente David Bolton announced the names in a dramatic moment. “This is a historic day for Fiesta and our community,” said 2023 El Presidente David Bolton. “To have the first male Spirit of Fiesta ever, it is a great moment in the history of our beloved celebration. The entire Old Spanish Days family extends heartfelt congratulations to both 2023 Spirit of Fiesta Jack Harwood, and 2023 Junior Spirit of Fiesta Olivia Nelson. We look forward to a great Fiesta!”

More than 600 people watched the exciting event live at the historic Lobero Theatre while hundreds more watched via a live stream on the Old Spanish Days website at www.sbfiesta.org.

Prior to the announcement, the 2022 Spirit of Fiesta Tara Mata and 2022 Junior Spirit of Fiesta Layla Gocong reflected on their extraordinary year and performed farewell dances to thundering applause.

2023 Junior Spirit of Fiesta Olivia Nelson hears her name called (Photo: Fritz Olenberger)

This is the third year in a row that the Spirit Auditions have been held at the Lobero Theatre. The theatre originally opened its doors in 1924 and was part of the very first Fiesta held in Santa Barbara that same year.

The tradition of Spirit of Fiesta started in 1949 when Lia Parker, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 88, was chosen as the first Spirit of Fiesta. A touching tribute to her legacy was shown at the start of the show.

The Spirit of Fiesta is the visual representation of Fiesta, they are a goodwill ambassador to local residents and visitors alike. The Spirits will perform at all official Old Spanish Days events as well as at receptions held by area civic organizations. The Spirit will lead El Desfile Histórico (the Historic Parade) while the Junior Spirit will lead the Children’s Parade.

Their first official event will be performing at the La Primavera fundraiser on May 13, 2023. Tickets are on sale now on the Old Spanish Days website at www.sbfiesta.org

A replay of the Auditions will air on Saturday, April 29 and on Sunday, April 30, 7-9 pm, on KEYT’s Channel 13.

Fiesta 2023 will take place in various locations around the city starting August 2 to August 6, 2023. First held in 1924, Fiesta celebrates a period of romance and hospitality through pageantry, dance, music, costume and cuisine. Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation dedicated to honoring and preserving Santa Barbara’s history, spirit, culture, heritage and traditions. Visit www.sbfiesta.org for more information or to make a tax-deductible donation.