“Long Live” Our Viva La Fiesta Memories

“Viva” defined as “long live” from Spanish and Italian verbiage, brings back fond memories of our Santa Barbara Fiesta’s Old Spanish Days – and all the celebrations we enjoyed together.

For 5 days every August our community is immersed in performances and festivities celebrating our Spanish heritage. These includes mariachi bands, traditional dancing by all ages, one parade filled with equestrian spectacle and another peopled only by children.

Then there’s the food. So many choices, so many temptations. It’s the quintessential element we all love; for be it authentic or derivative, it’s always tasty.

The matriarch of the Hasche Familia – I’m referring to Skin Deep’s owners – was Evelyn. Evelyn epitomized the spirit of Fiesta. She dressed, danced, cheered and viva-ed her way through the first weekend in August – and was invited with all her children to ride on The Castillo Family float during the Fiesta Parade.

This year, as in the years that preceded it, we’re inspired by the legacy Evelyn left behind. Again we attempt to channel her glee whilst breaking cascarones over our compatriots’ heads, and often toasting her spirit with a delicious Margarita!

And following Evelyn’s example we strive to be ever welcoming and gracious to all those who cross the threshold at Skin Deep.

Fiesta will eventually fade into another sunset of summer – but we’ll continue to smile remembering her high spirits, her consistent delight in simple pleasures … as we pluck the last bits of confetti from our hair.