Block Party Included Live Music, Performances and Much More
Mexican Independence Day may be over, but the memories of the great celebration in Old Town Goleta on Saturday, September 16, remain. Hundreds of community members, many from the neighborhood, gathered throughout the day and evening on Pine Avenue for a community block party organized by the Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. From start to finish, the festival was filled with entertainment, great food, and Mexican traditions.
A highlight of the event was when the Consul of Mexico, Ricardo Santana, delivered the traditional “Grito”, also known as “The Cry of Dolores”, and flag presentation.
“It was my first time seeing something like this here in Old Town – it’s a celebration of our roots, our culture,” said Carlos Cruz of Goleta Valley Paint, who was attending the festival. “There’s so much energy, and you just see the pride on people’s faces.”
The non-stop entertainment included the “Heart & Soul Band” that played covers of Tex-Mex legend Selena Quintanilla, Ballet Folklórico Patria Mexicana performing several traditional folk dances, live Mariachi with Fiesta Mexicana, and was capped off with GRUPO RADIANTE Fausto Cruz as community members took to the dance floor.
The festival also featured a wide array of authentic Mexican cuisine, giving festival-goers a chance to taste the flavors and aromas of Mexico here in the Good Land.
Other highlights included the classic cars and customized bicycles at the Auto and Bike Show and the bounce houses and henna tattoo artist in the kids area.
The City was proud to be one of the sponsors of the event and enjoyed meeting everyone who stopped by our booth to say hello, spin the wheel for giveaways and talk with local officials including 3rd District County Supervisor Joan Hartmann, Mayor Paula Perotte, Goleta City Councilmembers and City Manager Robert Nisbet.
Thanks to everyone who was a part of helping to bring the vibrant culture of Mexico to life in Old Town. We can’t wait for next year’s festival! Viva Mexico!
Pictured above left-to-right: Ricardo Santana, Consul General of Mexico, Tere Jurado, Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board Member
Pictured left-to-right: Gina Fischer, Chief of Staff of the Office of Supervisor Joan Hartman, Paula Perotte, City of Goleta Mayor, and Joan Hartmann, 3rd District County Supervisor of Santa Barbara
Singer with Mariachi Fiesta Mexicana group