91st Annual Children’s Fiesta Parade Accepting Entries

The City of Santa Barbara’s Parks and Recreation Department is currently accepting entry forms to participate in this year’s Children’s Fiesta Parade. The parade, a longtime tradition for local families, will celebrate its 91st year on Saturday, August 5. Each year has brought new families alongside families who have proudly participated in the Children’s Fiesta Parade for more than five generations. 

Parents, families, and friends create and decorate their own floats, carts, and wagons to join this foot-powered parade. No motorized or battery-operated vehicles are used. Children and parents typically dress in colorful Spanish and Mexican costumes, often bringing chickens, goats, ponies, dogs, and other small animals to add to the fun. Parade entries can be as small or as large as desired, whether it’s one family of three, a family of siblings and cousins, an entire neighborhood, a dance school, or special clubs or groups. There is room for every child in the parade, and no cost to participate. All participating children will also receive free ice cream, generously provided by MarBorg Industries.

The public is invited to view the parade on Saturday, August 5, starting at 10:00 a.m. as it makes its way along Cabrillo Boulevard from Garden Street to Calle Puerto Vallarta.  

Families and groups wishing to participate must complete an online application by Monday, July 17. The application and more information can be found at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/FiestaParade.