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Santa Barbara Fiesta Crowns 2026 Spirit and Junior Spirit
Jenna Ramirez and Penelope Hernandez earn top honors to represent the annual celebration.
Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:26am
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The vibrant energy of Santa Barbara's Old Spanish Days Fiesta is captured in a bold, pop art-inspired illustration of a traditional dancer's castanets.Santa Barbara TodayAfter a competitive selection process, the Old Spanish Days Fiesta in Santa Barbara has named Jenna Ramirez from Santa Barbara City College as the 2026 Spirit of Fiesta and Penelope Hernandez from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel as the Junior Spirit of Fiesta. The two will serve as ambassadors for the 5-day cultural festival alongside El Presidente Colin Hayward.
Why it matters
The Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta are prestigious roles that highlight talented dancers and community leaders who can authentically represent the history, traditions, and vibrant spirit of the annual Old Spanish Days celebration in Santa Barbara.
The details
Ramirez and Hernandez were selected after performing traditional Spanish dances - Ramirez danced Guarijas "Fronteras del Tiempo" and Hernandez danced Bulerias "Le Pido Al Tiempo Que Vuelva" - in front of a panel of judges. As Spirit and Junior Spirit, they will participate in various Fiesta events and serve as ambassadors for the 5-day festival from August 5-9.
- The 2026 Old Spanish Days Fiesta will take place from August 5-9.
- Jenna Ramirez and Penelope Hernandez were named Spirit and Junior Spirit on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
The players
Jenna Ramirez
A student at Santa Barbara City College who was named the 2026 Spirit of Fiesta.
Penelope Hernandez
A student at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel who was named the 2026 Junior Spirit of Fiesta.
Colin Hayward
The 2026 El Presidente who will serve alongside the Spirit and Junior Spirit as an ambassador for the Old Spanish Days Fiesta.
What’s next
The Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta will participate in various events and activities throughout the 5-day Old Spanish Days celebration from August 5-9, 2026.
The takeaway
The selection of Jenna Ramirez and Penelope Hernandez as the 2026 Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta highlights the continued importance of preserving and celebrating Santa Barbara's rich Spanish heritage through this longstanding annual festival.
