Fiesta Countdown: Spirit Finalists Revealed Before Big Night in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - The countdown to one of Santa Barbara’s most cherished traditions is on, as Old Spanish Days organizers introduce this year’s Spirit of Fiesta and Junior Spirit finalists

Twenty performers—ten in each category—have been selected to compete for the titles, honoring the music, dance, and cultural pride that define Fiesta.

Beginning this week, NewsChannel is spotlighting one finalist from each group every evening, building momentum ahead of Saturday’s sold-out event at the Lobero Theatre.

Tonight’s featured finalists include 10-year-old Penelope Hernandez, a fourth grader at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and 17-year-old Emilio Gonzales, a junior at Dos Pueblos High School.

The winners will be announced April 11, marking the official start of the season leading into Fiesta, set for August 5th through the 9th.

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