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Santa Barbara

Colors of Santa Barbara - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Old Mission Santa Barbara The scenic city of Santa Barbara is known to many tourists due to TV series of the same name which has won hearts of millions of viewers all over the world. Some travelers opt to visit this marvelous resort town haunted with the only aim of exploring those streets and parks which were mentioned in the favorite TV series. The same remarkable and attractive feature of the resort is still plenty of festivals, holidays and various celebrations. Each of the events held on the resort is unique and has its own history.
1. Santa Barbara is connected to the city of Los Angeles with a railway system. A trip will take about two hours. A tour to neighboring cities will turn to an engaging entertainment for … Open
One of the strangest events held in this American city is the Annual Santa Barbara French Festival. Central city park is an established place for holding of this festival. Main festive and entertaining events take place exactly there. The park is turned into genuine oasis of France during the festival with its territory being equipped with exact copies of French landmarks and sites. The festival engages globally renowned culinary experts of French cuisine to perform their skills and present their signature dishes.
Plenty of typical French treats, fine wines and Champaign, numerous music shows and theatrical performances, exciting exhibitions of works by amateur painters and sculptors. For a few days the city sinks into a unique atmosphere of French charm. Tourists will have a chance to buy some original souvenirs and memorable gifts and various garnishes during the festival. One of the most interesting and exciting events of the festival is the Poodle Parade inviting all festival guests to take part in. The festival is held in the middle of July. It was first held more than 20 years ago. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Located in California, in the heart of Santa Barbara County, the same named city is surrounded by mountain ranges from the north, and is considered the American Riviera. Santa Barbara was … Open
The city takes an active part in the annual festival named The Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival. Local parks and gardens are equipped with numerous exhibition stalls of various and even most unexpected purpose during the festival. One stall offers organic foods and green labeled products from nearest farms meanwhile another stall offers poultry grown on organic food.
Storke Plaza in UCSB It should be noted that all the participants of the event pass rather strict inspection. Thus customers can totally trust the sellers and get the goods and foods of highest quality. Tourists may enjoy plenty of tours and excursions organized during the festival. Children are taught on reasons to love and save nature protecting it from mankind harmful influence. Exhibitions of low pollution cars, original performances for children, exciting fairs and sport competitions are the main events of the program of this bright festival being much waited by local residents.
Santa Barbara is a traditional resort city featuring plenty of upscale restaurants, stylish bars and cozy coffee houses and cafes. Foreign guests give preference to so called hamburger … Open
Outside the United States, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (or SBIFF, as it is often shortened for convenience) is a well-known one. It has been held since 1986. During the festival, the audience will be able to watch about 200 premieres. The most interesting thing is that fans will have the opportunity to see their idols, who are invited to the film show. Most of them are often interviewed. Among the frequent guests are Cate Blanchett, Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie, and Martin Scorsese. Film lovers will be able to see films of different genres and meters in early February. It is worth noting that another film festival is organized in Santa Barbara, and it is dedicated to Jewish cinema. This is the Santa Barbara Jewish Film Festival, which is held a month after the large-scale International Film Festival. Motion pictures are shown at the New Vic Theater (Ensemble Theater Company).
The Courhouse Another famous festival is called Lucidity and it takes place in mid-April. This is a bright cocktail of music and a costume show that can impress any tourist. Painted colors, rebellious spirit, attractive family-friendly atmosphere, originality, art without frames – these are the main distinguishing features of this colorful event. The festival program traditionally includes music concerts (you can listen to electronic music, hip-hop, indie rock, among others), live communication between participants and visitors of the festival, dance performances, spectacular fire shows, and circus shows. You can see it all at the campsite Live Oak, which is located in Elings Park. And this, which is somewhat of outdoor recreation, is yet another reason to visit the event.
The main historical landmark of the resort city of Santa Barbara is a missionary church which was built at the end of the 18th century. The construction of this religious landmark was … Open
One of the most interesting events in the world of street art is the Santa Barbara Madonnari Festival. During this festival which falls on the end of May, the square in front of the church, Old Mission Santa Barbara, is filled with artists displaying stunning paintings on religious themes. You can also watch the work of the masters; these master classes will definitely create wonderful impressions. Unimaginably beautiful canvases are showcased before the spectators – real works of art that, unfortunately, cannot remain forever. During the festival, children’s workshops are held, a trade fair of hand-made products opens, and live music is played. Entry is free for people of all ages.
There are several wine festivals held in Santa Barbara. The first one is held in early March and is called World of Pinot Noir. Wine and snack tastings, as well as master classes and consultations, are held in the resort area of ​​the Ritz-Carlton Bacara. Another event takes place at the end of June and is called the Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival, where hundreds of well-known food and wine producers present their products. You can taste great dishes and drinks in the Museum of Natural History and Sea Center. The end of the harvest season is traditionally celebrated in mid-October, and the locals unite for the Celebration of Harvest. The venue is the Santa Ynez Valley, where a food fair is organized. Seminars and tasting of farm products and wine are also held as a part of the celebration.
One of the main advantages of the resort city is plenty of marvelous parks and sites. The city will be of the greatest attraction for hiking enthusiasts and open air leisure fans. Not far … Open
Beginning of March marks not only the onset of the calendar spring but also attracts gourmets to Santa Barbara, who are in a hurry to get to the festival, Restaurant Week. More than twenty large restaurants and cafes offer a special menu, at the so-called “prix fixe” (fixed price). Another remarkable festival in Santa Barbara takes place in mid-March and “fixes” the spring mood with a bright exhibition. We are talking about the International Orchid Show when the North American city (or rather, its central streets and parks) are immersed in delightfully beautiful orchids. In total, about fifty exhibitions are shown during the spring event.
Fans of bright shows should visit Santa Barbara in early August, when the colorful Old Spanish Days Fiesta event is held for five days, paying tribute to the time when Santa Barbara was ruled by Spain. The event starts with a mini-carnival called La Fiesta Pequeña. The procession in colorful costumes begins at the steps of the main church of the city – Old Mission Santa Barbara. Afterward, El Desfile Historico takes place, when a horse parade in historical costumes is conducted through the central streets of the city. All the events of the bright fiesta are accompanied by the presentation of Spanish folklore – traditional flamenco dances, music concerts, tacos, and tamales tastings. Adding to the charm is the fact that almost all of the residents usually speak Spanish.
Santa Barbara - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6

City tours, excursions and tickets in Santa Barbara and surroundings

Reference information
Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near Santa Barbara
♥   Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 2.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Mission San Buenaventura, Ventura, 39.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Mission Santa Inés, Solvang, 44.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Santa Barbara

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Colors of Santa Barbara in photos

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Traditions and festivals in cities around Santa Barbara

Cityguide on traditions, mentality and lifestyle of people in Santa Barbara. Learn the best periods to visit Santa Barbara to discover its soul - authentic festivals, events and celebrations. We will also reveal the interesting habits, attitude towards the world and to tourists in Santa Barbara.
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